Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez assured Monday that the “political debate” on possible responsibilities for the mismanagement of the deadly floods of October 29 would take place after the reconstruction, for which he announced nearly 3.8 billion euros new aid.
On Saturday, a demonstration brought together some 130,000 people in Valencia to demand the resignation of the president of the regional executive Carlos Mazón and also criticize the management of the disaster by the Spanish central government.
“The government is doing what it has to do. And what we must do is rebuild after this tragedy and revive economic and social activity,” the head of government declared Monday during a press conference.
“Later, the political debate will focus on things to improve in the face of this climate emergency and, without doubt, in the face of taking political responsibilities which, of course, will have to be justified,” he continued.
“The lesson to be learned is that we are facing a climate emergency that will demand the best from each of us,” added Pedro Sánchez, calling for “listening to the science and learning from it” and “strengthen public services to provide an effective and equitable response to natural disasters”.
Since the deadly floods which left 222 dead according to the latest report released by the government, criticism from the victims has particularly targeted the head of the regional government Carlos Mazón, accused of having been slow to react while the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) had issued a red alert on the morning of October 29.
In Spain, a highly decentralized country, disaster management is the responsibility of regional administrations, but the central government, responsible for issuing alerts via AEMET, can provide resources and take control in extreme cases.
“All means necessary”
The Prime Minister was not spared in the ranks of the demonstration on Saturday evening in Valencia either.
MM. Sánchez and Mazón were alongside sovereigns Felipe VI and Letizia during their visit to a devastated area on November 3, during which everyone was targeted with insults and mud throwing, a sign of the exasperation of the victims.
Carlos Mazón, who has ruled out the idea of resigning, must be heard by the Valencian regional parliament on Thursday, to speak about his management of the disaster.
“I think we have to accept that mistakes could have been made without a doubt, we have to do it with all humility,” he admitted Monday during a press briefing. “We will start talking about politics, explanations […] starting Thursday,” he promised.
In terms of reconstruction and aid to disaster victims, 110 new measures, for a total amount of nearly 3.8 billion euros, were approved on Monday during a council of ministers.
“The government is present and will be present, with all the necessary means, and as long as it is necessary […] we will continue the work to restore normality in the affected areas,” assured Pedro Sánchez.
A previous package of measures of 10.6 billion euros had already been presented last week by the Prime Minister.
Pedro Sánchez notably guaranteed on Monday that the support measures would be extended to a greater number of people and goods, and that farmers will also receive new aid totaling 200 million euros.
The first aid package announced last week included support for small and medium-sized businesses, self-employed workers and households who have suffered death, disability and damage to their homes or property.
Tax breaks, a three-month deferral of mortgage and loan repayments and central government spending on the huge clean-up jobs facing local councils were also announced.
On the ground, thousands of volunteers, soldiers, police, civil guards and members of the emergency services are still hard at work repairing destroyed infrastructure, distributing aid and still searching for dozens of people disappeared.
