Political Turmoil in Valencia: PP's Feijóo Demands Accountability Amidst Crisis
The leader of the People's Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, emphasized the urgent need for a reshuffle in the Generalitat Valenciana's government as it grapples with a political crisis following the disastrous management of DANA, which resulted in over 200 deaths. In a recent interview on Antena 3, Feijóo rejected the notion of a political brawl and called for high-level political accountability, arguing that the victims deserve better than what has been provided.
Feijóo criticized the central government's lack of intervention during the disaster, implying that the fact that the Generalitat Valenciana is not governed by the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) led to the withholding of critical information regarding the reservoir situation and an overall failure to assume command during the crisis. This accusation directed at Minister Teresa Ribera particularly stood out, especially as Feijóo claimed that the minister had been absent during the crucial days, despite evidence showing she was actively engaged in her duties remotely from Paris and Brussels during those times.
In a series of pointed comments, Feijóo also condemned the PSOE for allegedly undermining RTVE's credibility while victims were suffering. His remarks came at a time when critics were quick to note the apparent incongruity of Mazón, the president of the Generalitat, having hosted a meal with a journalist on the very day DANA struck.
Feijóo was keen to support Mazón, defending his delayed participation in the crisis committee meeting. He reiterated that Mazón is not part of the emergency response team, Cecopi, but also implied that the regional president should take responsibility for his actions. 'If there is any fault, he has assumed self-criticism and will have to make his decisions,' Feijóo stated, raising questions about the governance team's effectiveness and the necessity for a reshuffle.
The situation has escalated to the point where the PP’s national leadership has softened its public support for Mazón. Comments from spokesperson Borja Sémper hint at a more cautious approach, particularly as the party navigates mounting criticisms of Mazón's handling of the disaster.
In the face of statewide discomfort, Mazón has attempted to affirm his leadership despite citizen backlash and is reportedly considering appointing a dedicated conseller for reconstruction efforts to take charge of the aid management, instead of allowing the central government to do so unilaterally. This comes as the central government, under President Pedro Sánchez, has rolled out three decrees allocating 13 billion euros in assistance to the disaster's victims.
As the political landscape remains fragile for the PP, questions linger about whether the party will fully back Mazón in light of the growing dissatisfaction over his crisis management. Sémper’s evasion of direct questions about Mazón’s support reflects the internal struggles within the party as it balances the need for party solidarity with the demands for accountability in the wake of such a tragic event.
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