Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Madrid on Friday during Spanish Constitution Day to protest against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Valencia's provincial leadership, criticizing their handling of October's devastating floods.
The rally, held at Plaza de la Puerta del Sol, featured participants waving Spanish flags and holding placards with messages such as "The people save the people" and "You murdered our families."
One activist condemned Valencia's provincial governor for failing to act swiftly during the disaster. "On the terrible and catastrophic night in Valencia, this provincial governor was not able to mobilize the Spanish army, which has always been mobilized on other occasions. This wretch will have to explain," they said.
Another demonstrator called for action against perceived government negligence. "Let's put an end to their tyranny and their contempt for the Spanish people because only the people save the people. Long live Spain. Long live the Valencian Community," they declared.
The floods, caused by an isolated low-pressure system known as 'DANA,' brought over a year's worth of rain to eastern Spain on October 29. The resulting deluge killed 230 people and inflicted massive property damage, marking it as one of the deadliest natural disasters in Spain's history.
The incident has sparked nationwide demands for accountability, with protesters urging the resignation of Valencia's regional president Carlos Mazon and Prime Minister Sanchez over what they view as an inadequate emergency response.
Spanish Constitution Day, celebrated annually on December 6, commemorates the country's transition to a constitutional monarchy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco.
(Source: AFP)
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
