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The Power of the People Behind Carlos Mazón’s Resignation
the power of protests, Valencia, DANA, Carlos Mazon The International Reporter
The International Reporter

The Power of the People Behind Carlos Mazón’s Resignation

Carlos Mazón has resigned as president of the Generalitat Valenciana, ending weeks of mounting tension and a year of public outrage following the tragic DANA floods that devastated the province of Valencia on October 29 last year. The floods, which claimed 229 lives, left lasting scars, not just on the landscape, but on the people.

Although Mazón said his decision was personal and insisted he did not act out of “political calculation,” his resignation came just days after thousands once again filled the streets of Valencia to mark the anniversary of the floods. Carrying banners, flowers, and silver thermal blankets inscribed with the names of the victims, they demanded justice and accountability for what many believe was a preventable tragedy.

He will remain a regional deputy, keeping his parliamentary immunity, but ruled out calling early elections.

The power of peaceful protest in Spain

One of the most moving things about life in Spain is the people’s sheer determination, their willingness to come together peacefully and speak up when something is wrong. It’s something I’ve noticed time and time again since moving here.

Protests happen often, and not just in big cities like Madrid or Valencia. From small coastal towns to mountain villages, when people believe in a cause, they show up. Young people, parents with pushchairs, grandparents, everyone walks together, chanting, waving flags, and holding handmade signs. There’s rarely violence or aggression, just an overwhelming sense of unity and purpose.

These aren’t just fleeting displays of anger. Spanish protests are persistent. They can go on for weeks, months, even years, and more often than not, they make a difference. The resignation of Carlos Mazón is just the latest proof of that.

The tragedy that sparked outrage

On October 29 last year, torrential rain swept through the province of Valencia, triggering flash floods that caused catastrophic damage. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, roads collapsed, and lives were lost. In the days that followed, questions began to surface about how the crisis had been managed.

Reports revealed that despite severe weather warnings, Mazón had not cancelled his official agenda that day. Instead, he attended a lunch meeting with a journalist, even though there was a red weather warning in place. As details emerged, anger grew.

Over time, the protests intensified. Week after week, people gathered in squares across the region, not just to express grief, but to demand responsibility. The rallies remained peaceful yet powerful, filled with emotion and resolve. The anniversary demonstration last week drew enormous crowds, many carrying messages like “Nunca más” (“Never again”).

Accountability through unity

While Mazón admitted mistakes, including not cancelling his schedule and failing to request a national emergency declaration, he also accused the government and weather agencies of using him as a scapegoat. But the public mood had already shifted.

The families of victims, many of whom confronted Mazón at the state funeral for those who died in the floods, became the heart of the protest movement. Their persistence, joined by thousands of others, eventually led to this turning point.

What makes it remarkable is that this wasn’t a movement driven by politics or party lines, it was driven by people. Ordinary citizens, united in grief and frustration, kept the issue alive until something finally changed.

A quiet but powerful form of democracy

In Spain, democracy doesn’t just live in parliament, it lives in the streets. It’s found in the peaceful marches, the handmade signs, and the unwavering belief that ordinary people can make a difference.

Carlos Mazón’s resignation is a direct result of that civic spirit. The protests were calm, consistent, and deeply human, and in the end, they achieved what they set out to do.

It’s easy to overlook the impact of peaceful protest in a world that often focuses on chaos and division. But Spain continues to prove that change can come through persistence, community, and compassion.

Main image: X/@ISABELBM10

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