Last October, Valencia experienced one of its most severe tragedies in recent decades. On that day, as the city faced devastating floods, public attention was focused not only on the scale of the disaster but also on the actions of the head of the autonomous government, Carlos Mazón.
Until recently, it was believed that after having lunch with renowned journalist Maribel Vilaplana, the president immediately headed toward the government residence. However, it turned out his route was different. After a lengthy meeting at El Ventorro restaurant, which lasted nearly four hours, Mazón walked Vilaplana to the public parking lot at Glorieta de la Paz, where she had left her car. This location was in the opposite direction from the official residence, raising new questions about his movements on that critical day.
The emergence of this information came as a surprise to many, as this episode had not been mentioned in the president’s previous public statements. According to people close to him, escorting the journalist was simply a matter of courtesy and had not drawn much attention. However, this detail helped clarify the timeline and shed light on the mysterious period between 18:45 and 19:45, when the whereabouts of the regional leader remained unknown.
At that hour, as it was later revealed, not a single phone call was made by him. According to the investigation, this was the period when most of the flood victims lost their lives. Questions remain about Mazón’s whereabouts and activities during this time. His team claims he was working and coordinating efforts from his residence, but there is no evidence to support this.
After Mazón said goodbye to Vilaplana in the parking lot, he walked to the government building. However, even this route took longer than previously thought. Only closer to 8 p.m. did he arrive at his residence, and then he headed to the emergency operations center in L’Eliana (L’Eliana), about 20 kilometers from the city.
The scandal over the president’s ‘dark hour’ continues to rage. Investigators are still trying to determine why the regional leader was absent from his post and unreachable at a critical moment. Journalist Maribel Vilaplana is preparing to testify in court to clarify the details of her meeting and separation with Mazón. Her account could be key to understanding the sequence of events that day.
While the public awaits new details, this episode remains one of the most talked-about topics in Valencia. Questions about the transparency of the authorities’ actions and the personal accountability of leaders are once again at the forefront, highlighting the importance of openness in times of crisis.
