The King and Queen of Spain faced a hostile reception from protesters during their visit to Paiporta, a town severely affected by recent floods. Protesters shouted accusations of “murderer” and “shame”, expressing their anger over the government’s response to the disaster.
As King Felipe and Queen Letizia walked through the town, mud and other objects were thrown at them, leaving them visibly affected. Despite the tumult, the royal couple was seen consoling members of the crowd:
“It’s logical that the people are angry, it’s logical that the people didn’t understand why this visit is so urgent.” - Juan Bordera, Valencian parliament member
The floods have resulted in more than 200 deaths, marking them as one of the worst in Spain in decades. Emergency crews continue to search through underground areas for survivors and recover bodies.
The royal visit included Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Carlos Mazón, head of the Valencian parliament, both of whom were quickly evacuated as tensions rose. Reports indicated that objects were hurled at Sánchez, with footage showing stones being thrown at his vehicle as he left.
In light of public outcry regarding the authorities' perceived lack of adequate warning and support, Sánchez ordered an additional 10,000 troops, police officers, and civil guards to assist in recovery efforts. This marks Spain’s largest deployment in peacetime:
“I am aware that this response is not enough,” Sánchez stated, acknowledging “severe problems and shortages.”
The flooding began after a period of intense rainfall, leading to collapsed bridges and inundated towns. Many communities remain cut off from essential services like water, food, and electricity.
Despite the chaos surrounding the royal visit, there has been a significant outpouring of solidarity for those affected by the floods. Hundreds of volunteers have mobilized in Valencia, armed with buckets and brooms to aid in cleanup efforts as government support ramps up.
In Paiporta alone, authorities have reported at least 62 fatalities due to this catastrophic event. The situation remains dire as rescue efforts continue amid rising anger from residents over local authorities’ handling of the disaster.
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