During a visit to the flood-affected region of Valencia, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain faced a hostile crowd, with protesters throwing mud and other objects at them. The royal couple was in Paiporta, one of the towns hardest hit by the catastrophic floods that have claimed over 200 lives, to show support and solidarity with the victims.
Protesters Express Anger and Frustration- Spain
As the king and queen walked through the town, they were met with shouts of “murderer” and “shame.” Protesters expressed their outrage over what they perceived as inadequate governmental response and a lack of support in the wake of the disaster. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who accompanied the royal couple, was also targeted, leading to a swift evacuation from the area.
Footage captured the moment when the crowd surged toward the royal party, throwing mud and shouting insults. Despite the chaos, King Felipe VI attempted to engage with some protesters, even embracing a few. However, the atmosphere remained tense, with both the king and queen appearing visibly affected, covered in mud as they departed.
Devastation from Flooding
The floods in Valencia, which began with intense rainfall earlier in the week, have resulted in severe destruction, including collapsed bridges and communities cut off from essential services. The death toll has risen to 217, with many more individuals reported missing, particularly in the Valencia region where 62 deaths have been confirmed in Paiporta alone.
Local resident Pau, just 16 years old, shared his despair, stating, “We’re helping – and the leaders do nothing. People are still dying. I can’t stand this anymore.” Another woman lamented the loss of her home and livelihood, emphasizing the community’s frustration with the authorities.
Government Response
In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Sánchez announced the deployment of an additional 10,000 troops, police officers, and civil guards to assist in recovery efforts—marking the largest deployment in peacetime in Spain’s history. However, he admitted that the response was insufficient and acknowledged the ongoing “severe problems and shortages” faced by affected communities.
The mayor of Paiporta, Maribel Albalat, expressed her shock at the violence directed at the royal couple but also recognized the residents’ desperation and anger. Local politicians criticized the timing of the royal visit, suggesting that it was poorly planned given the current crisis.
Continuing Challenges
As clean-up efforts continue, volunteers have mobilized, armed with mops, buckets, and brooms, to assist those impacted by the flooding. The Spanish meteorological agency has issued alerts for potential further storms, though they are not expected to match the severity of earlier rainfall.
The royal family has since released a statement acknowledging the public’s anger and frustration, underscoring the challenges facing those affected by the devastating floods.
