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.
Los vecinos de Paiporta le tiran barro al Rey de España en su visita a la localidad. pic.twitter.com/0Ai2t0rPng
— 马悟空 (@Ma_WuKong) November 3, 2024
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.
Los Reyes, durante su visita a Paiporta (Valencia) esta mañana. pic.twitter.com/0OpPm9pAp0
— Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) November 3, 2024
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.
Pedro Sánchez, el Rey, Letizia y Mazón han de ser evacuados de Paiporta casi atropellando voluntarios ante el clamor del pueblo valenciano que casi los lincha por su inacción y abandono. pic.twitter.com/SYI17UxfwO
— Rubén Gisbert (@gisbert_ruben) November 3, 2024
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.
🇪🇸 #URGENTE ¡BRUTAL! Un valenciano le ha metido un palazo a Pedro Sánchez en la visita del autócrata, del incompetente Mazón y del Rey Felipe VI a Paiporta (Valencia).
— antiprogre.com (@antiprogrecom) November 3, 2024
LOS ESPAÑOLES HAN DICHO BASTA
ESPAÑA HA DESPERTADO CHAVALES https://t.co/lLQUUTp7YA pic.twitter.com/ucIzEtjhtT
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.
Las cámaras de Aragón Televisión captan como los vecinos de Paiporta le dicen a la reina Letizia que el enfado no es con ella o el Rey sino con Sánchez:
— Capitán Gral de los Tercios/Virrey de las Américas (@capTercio) November 3, 2024
‘Por ustedes, por ustedes no es"
Luego se abraza con una vecina mientras llora desconsolada.
El pueblo ha dictado sentencia. pic.twitter.com/2rSWNTMuCg
Main image: @CasaReal
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