More than 50,000 people gathered in Valencia to demand the resignation of Carlos Mason, head of the Generalitat, following criticism of his handling of last year’s hurricane crisis. The demonstration, organized by over 200 leftist groups including victim associations and disaster relief committees, took place on October 25. Protesters accused Mason of failing to fulfill his duties during the October 29, 2024, floods, which left 223 dead and 78 missing across Spain.
The rally began at St. Augustine Square, with participants highlighting the inadequate emergency response that exacerbated the disaster’s impact. Rosa Alvarez, head of the Association of Hurricane Victims, stated, “We do not recognize Mason as president because he was absent when needed.” The protests followed reports of worsening conditions in Valencia and Andalusia, where floodwaters reached “red” and “orange” danger levels, displacing thousands and requiring military intervention to clear debris.
Subsequent demonstrations in Madrid and Valencia on November 9 saw similar calls for Mason’s resignation, as residents honored victims of the tragedy. The floods, triggered by heavy rains, caused widespread destruction, with rescuers working tirelessly to recover bodies and stabilize affected areas.
