Hearings begin in Valencia that could reshape attitudes toward tragedies in Spain. Families of those who died in the devastating October 2024 floods finally had an opportunity to speak before the Les Corts parliamentary commission after a long wait. Their statements have sparked renewed debate about the authorities’ response and the transparency of the investigation.
A complex commission makeup
The composition of the hearing participants has provoked a strong reaction. Alongside the victims’ families, representatives of organizations previously known for spreading controversial explanations of the events were also invited. Among them was a blogger notorious for provocative statements and for circulating rumors about the death toll. This decision angered opposition parties, who argue that such guests only deepen the families’ pain and hinder an objective examination of the tragedy.
According to El Pais, the order of speakers was determined by the date applications were submitted. The first to speak was a representative from the association Liberum, which had questioned the official casualty figures from the outset. She was followed by representatives from other organizations, including SOS Desaparecidos and the Association of Victims from Alfafar and Horta Sud, who criticized the response of regional authorities and demanded changes to the disaster response system.
Voices of the victims
Particular attention was drawn to the speeches of representatives from the two largest associations of families of the victims. Their representatives repeatedly raised the issue of the need for the Valencia government to acknowledge mistakes and take responsibility. They also insisted on transparency in the investigation and changes in disaster prevention policies. Activists joined them, demanding better infrastructure and more effective measures to prevent such tragedies.
The hearings addressed not only compensation but also moral issues—many relatives stated that recognition and change matter more to them than financial support. This was a response to the recent statement by the head of the Valencia government about allocating 80,000 euros to families of the victims. According to those affected, money does not solve the main problem—the lack of accountability and the shortage of information about the causes of the tragedy.
Public response
The scandal erupted after the commission invited a blogger who had previously spread false information about the number of victims. His participation drew sharp criticism from the opposition and the families themselves. Details emerged about his behavior during the tragedy, when he staged reports from the scene, which led to his dismissal. Opposition deputies demanded that this footage be shown at the session to highlight the inappropriateness of such actions.
At the conclusion of the hearings, representatives of organizations demanding a review of all state bodies involved in addressing the aftermath of the flood took the floor. Among them were those who had lost loved ones as well as those who suffered material losses. Their demands boil down to one key point: to change the approach to disaster response and ensure real protection for citizens.
Context and consequences
In recent years, Spain has faced several major natural disasters that resulted in significant casualties and destruction. After each incident, questions have been raised regarding the readiness of the infrastructure and the effectiveness of the authorities’ response. In 2022, a similar commission was convened following the Murcia flood, and in 2023—after the wildfires in Andalucía. At that time, there were also accusations of insufficient transparency and a slow response. The new hearings in Valencia could mark a turning point for the entire country if they lead to real change in the disaster prevention and response system.
