Massive Protest in Valencia Demands Resignation of Carlos Mazón

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the streets and central squares of Valencia were filled with a sea of protesters demanding the immediate resignation of Carlos Mazón, the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, and his entire government. The protest, convened by a coalition of social, civic, and left-wing trade unions from the Comunitat Valenciana, was a powerful response to the government's handling of the devastating DANA (Dense Air Nocturnal Advection) that hit the region.

The Protest

The march, which began at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Valencia at around 6:00 PM, was marked by a strong sense of unity and outrage. The protesters carried a prominent banner featuring the slogan "Mazón dimissió" (Mazón resign) and an image of Mazón upside down, wearing an emergency vest. This banner was held by representatives of entities directly affected by the floods, which have resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands of displaced individuals across 75 municipalities in the province.

The protesters, many of whom arrived in columns from various neighborhoods and nearby towns, including some of the most affected areas, filled the streets with chants of "dimisión" (resignation) and "asesino" (murderer). They carried signs with messages such as "¿Dónde estabas entonces?" (Where were you then?) and the iconic image of a hand stuck in the mud holding a mobile phone with an Es-Alert warning.

Organizers' Message

Despite the emotional and sometimes confrontational tone of the protest, the organizers emphasized the need for a peaceful and respectful march. They requested that participants march in silence, avoid wearing clothing stained with mud, and refrain from using violent messages. Beatriz Cardona, one of the co-spokespersons for the protest, made it clear that "whoever wants to take political advantage of the situation has chosen the wrong protest."

Participation and Support

The protest was supported by 65 convoking entities, including Acció Cultural del País Valencià, BEA, Ca Revolta, CNT València, Comisión Ciudad Puerto, the coordinadora de Memoria Democrática, Escola Valenciana, Fampa València, Intersindical, Lambda, and several neighborhood associations. An additional 83 entities have since joined in support of the march.

Aftermath and Government Response

The DANA has left a trail of destruction, prompting widespread criticism of the government's response. While the government has begun to address some of the immediate needs, such as the reopening of the N330 highway and the planned reopening of the A-7 bypass and the AVE Valencia-Madrid rail line, many feel that more needs to be done to address the long-term consequences.

Carlos Mazón has acknowledged that political responsibilities for the DANA will be addressed "in due time," but for many, this response is too little, too late. The Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros has received over 149,800 claims for compensation related to the DANA, highlighting the extensive impact of the disaster.

The protest in Valencia serves as a powerful reminder of the public's demand for accountability and effective governance in the face of natural disasters. As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the DANA, the call for Mazón's resignation remains a central issue in the ongoing debate.