Contradictions Surround President Mazón's Agenda During DANA Storm Crisis
In a troubling turn of events, new evidence has emerged challenging the account provided by Carlos Mazón, the president of the Valencian Community, concerning his activities on October 29, the day an unexpected and severe storm, known as DANA, wreaked havoc in the region. Mazón claims he was engaged in a working lunch during the crucial hours of the disaster with an unidentified individual, followed by a scheduled meeting at 3:00 PM with Salvador Navarro, president of the Confederation of Businessmen of the Valencian Community (CEV). This timeline supposedly explains his approximately five-hour absence during which the storm was actively causing damage in various areas, particularly affecting local businesses.
However, a report by Cadena SER has invalidated this purported agenda. In an interview, Salvador Navarro denied ever engaging in a meeting with President Mazón at 3:00 PM and clarified he did not have a lunch appointment with him either. Instead, Navarro confirmed they met earlier at 1:30 PM to discuss the budgetary matters related to the Generalitat and hospitals. When questioned about whether they discussed the imminent storm's impacts during that meeting, Navarro stated that they did not, even while acknowledging the growing economic damage faced by local businesses.
Further complicating matters, President Mazón claimed he was well-informed about the storm's advancing conditions during his time with the CECOPI, emphasizing he was aware of a red alert in Valencia, the overflow risks of the Magro River, and various warnings received from officials between noon and 1 PM regarding the worsening situation. This suggests that despite being engaged in meetings, Mazón had prior knowledge of the storm’s devastating potential.
The contradictions in Mazón's account were exacerbated when officials from the Generalitat claimed that while Mazón was purportedly meeting with Navarro, he was actually with Rafael Torres, president of Confecomerç, the Confederation of Commerce of Alicante, Castellón, and Valencia. However, Torres has also denied any meeting taking place on that day, stating instead he met with Minister of Industry Nuria Montes, concluding the meeting by 1:30 PM.
Following the dual denials from Navarro and Torres, the official response from the Generalitat confirmed that they mistakenly provided SER with Montes' agenda and not that of Mazón. As it stands, the actual agenda of the president during the crisis remains unclear, creating a layer of uncertainty over the government’s handling of an emerging crisis that had tangible effects on Valencian citizens.
During this critical timeframe, the role of the Minister of the Interior has also come under scrutiny, having previously denied assistance from the Government three times. Mazón, responding to allegations concerning his absence, has been called to clarify his activities on the day of the storm.
Ultimately, this controversy highlights not only the actions of President Mazón during a crucial moment for the Valencian Community but also raises questions about transparency and accountability within the regional government as they navigate the aftermath of a natural disaster that caused significant economic and social disruption.
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