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Anger and Pain Erupt in Valencia as King,Queen and President of Spain are pelted with Mud
King Queen Spain President Sanchez Paiporta Valencia DANA The International Reporter

Anger and Pain Erupt in Valencia as King,Queen and President of Spain are pelted with Mud

In the wake of Spain’s devastating DANA storm, the death toll has risen to at least 214, leaving communities shattered and desperate. Paiporta, a town in Valencia hit especially hard, has become a focal point for local grief and growing resentment. As government and royal officials visited the area, they faced strong reactions from frustrated residents, who feel left behind in the aftermath of the disaster.

Tension and Anger at Government Response

When Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Valencian President Carlos Mazón arrived in Paiporta alongside King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, emotions were running high. Residents, still reeling from the storm’s destruction, called for accountability. Crowds shouted insults, directing their anger at government leaders, with chants of ‘Sánchez, where are you?’ ‘Murderers’ and ‘Mazón, resign.’ Many voiced their frustration over the perceived lack of timely assistance, even throwing mud at the officials to express their anger. There is even video footage of President Sánchez being hit with a spade.

Royal Presence Aims to Ease the Tension

Despite the intense tension, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia continued their visit, walking through Paiporta’s main streets with visible signs of the storm’s aftermath on their clothing and faces. Queen Letizia was seen embracing and consoling residents, particularly women deeply affected by the disaster. The King, meanwhile, attempted to calm the crowd by engaging with those present and listening to their grievances. Their presence appeared to bring a momentary sense of relief, although the anger remained palpable.

Government Leaders Acknowledge Public Frustration

Following the events in Paiporta, President Carlos Mazón addressed the situation on social media, expressing understanding for the community’s indignation. ‘ understand the public outrage, and it is my duty, both politically and morally, to listen and respond,’ Mazón stated, while also commending King Felipe VI’s actions during the visit. The officials had initially planned to continue their visit to the nearby town of Chiva, but the heated reception led to concerns about further escalation.

A Community in Mourning and Despair

Paiporta, like many areas impacted by the DANA storm, remains in a state of mourning. The scars of the flood are visible in destroyed homes, businesses, and personal belongings swept away by the storm. As donations and support efforts continue across Spain, Paiporta’s residents feel the weight of their loss and the slow pace of recovery, intensifying their call for immediate action and visible commitment from their leaders.

Royal Support, Yet Lingering Frustration

Although the royal family’s presence brought some comfort, the residents of Paiporta and other devastated communities continue to demand a faster, more effective response from authorities. For many, the trauma and destruction left by the DANA storm serve as reminders of the urgent need for proactive disaster response measures, leaving Spain grappling with both grief and a renewed call for accountability.

Main image: @CasaReal

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3 comments

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Joseph

It’s all so sad, the King and Queen were lovely, but understandable frustrations are high still.. God help them.. 🙏

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Bernie

Fair play to the king and queen, you’d never see the king ofi England do that. The frustration of those affected is understandable but that’s so sad to see 😢

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