Mass Protest Grips Valencia Demanding Resignation of Former Regional President Carlos Mazón Over 2024 Flood Response

Thousands March in Valencia Over Flood Response

A significant mass protest is underway in downtown Valencia today, December 27, 2025, with thousands of citizens taking to the streets to demand the resignation of former regional president Carlos Mazón. The demonstration highlights persistent public anger over the regional government's perceived inadequate response to the devastating floods that struck the area in October 2024.

The Catastrophic 2024 Floods and Initial Criticism

In late October 2024, the Valencian Community experienced one of Spain's deadliest natural disasters in decades. Torrential rains, caused by an isolated low-pressure system, delivered over a year's worth of precipitation in a matter of hours, leading to widespread flash flooding. The catastrophe claimed the lives of approximately 200 to 237 people, primarily within the Valencia region. The floods caused immense destruction, damaging over 100,000 cars and impacting thousands of businesses, with estimated total damages reaching 10.7 billion euros. Public outcry quickly followed, with criticism focusing on the regional government's delayed emergency alerts, which in some instances were issued up to 13 hours after initial warnings from national meteorological agencies.

Carlos Mazón Under Scrutiny

Former regional president Carlos Mazón has been at the center of the controversy surrounding the flood response. Accusations include a slow and chaotic reaction from his administration, with a criminal probe initiated by Judge Nuria Ruiz Tobarra citing 'clear inaction' regarding a two-hour delay in issuing a regional emergency alert. Despite admitting that 'mistakes may have been made' and acknowledging 'failings' in the emergency system, Mazón, a member of the conservative Popular Party, has refused to step down from his parliamentary seat. His public schedule on the day of the disaster, including a reported three-hour lunch, further fueled public discontent.

Details of Today's Protest

The protest, scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM, is expected to draw thousands of participants. Demonstrators are marching from the City Hall Square, proceeding along a route that includes Poeta Querol, Marqués de Dos Aguas, Paz, Reina, Brodadors, and Micalet streets, before concluding at Plaza de la Virgen. Authorities have advised of potential disruptions throughout downtown Valencia due to the march. The protest serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing demand for accountability and improved disaster preparedness in the region.