Valencian President Carlos Mazón Claims Victim Status Amid Government Criticism
On Thursday, Carlos Mazón, the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, positioned himself as a target of hostility from the Spanish government, which he described as the "worst and cruelest government in the history of Spain." In a public appearance with Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the president of the Popular Party (PP), Mazón articulated his commitment to resist what he perceives as a calculated effort to discredit him, allegedly orchestrated by Pedro Sánchez's administration in collaboration with the political party Compromís.
Mazón's remarks follow recent catastrophic flooding in Valencia, which occurred on October 29 and resulted in 224 fatalities. His comments came during Feijóo's visit to affected municipalities, where the two leaders aimed to express solidarity with local mayors. Interestingly, this gathering, while seemingly supportive, included no photo opportunities in the disaster-stricken areas, hinting at potential tensions.
The regional president has faced scrutiny for his shifting accounts of a meal he attended during the floods, which some claim was used to politicize the public broadcaster, Valencian radio television. During his speech, Mazón conveyed his frustration with the national government's response, which he claims included threats, lies, and insults aimed at concealing corruption within their ranks.
Mazón also emphasized the pain inflicted by the lack of timely warnings and the perceived indifference from the Sánchez administration. "He neither comes nor calls to ask," he lamented, highlighting how crucial information about recovery efforts surfaced through the media rather than official channels. This sense of abandonment was echoed by Valencia's mayor, María José Catalá, who remarked on the emotional toll these delays and lapses in communication have wrought on the community.
Feijóo seized the moment to launch a scathing critique of Sánchez's leadership, emphasizing that he would have taken immediate action in the face of such a disaster. He highlighted his commitment to being present for the King and honoring victims' funerals, suggesting that leadership should include visible compassion and support, especially in times of crisis.
His statements underscored a broader call for better attention to Valencia, a region he argued is vital to Spain's social fabric. He urged the national government to increase its efforts, stating, "The people need to see the president of the government and see that he cares about one of the most important autonomous communities."
Moreover, Feijóo criticized the Sánchez administration for abdicating its responsibilities regarding the aftermath of the DANA floods, particularly in regard to the recovery of approximately 130,000 vehicles that were destroyed. He pointedly remarked that these tasks have been delegated to the Generalitat and local municipalities, shifting the burden of recovery onto regional authorities already grappling with the disaster's aftermath.
As Valencia navigates the complexities of disaster recovery, the political landscape continues to heat up, with leaders from various parties trading barbs amid pressing humanitarian concerns. As the region rallies to rebuild, the interplay between local and national government will likely shape the future dynamics of political responsibility and community support.
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