A new political conflict is brewing in Valencia, already being called one of the most high-profile in recent years. Representatives of the PSPV-PSOE party have announced their intention to officially participate in the legal proceedings involving manipulation of an audio recording between an employee of the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and a specialist from the 112 emergency service. This conversation took place at the height of the devastating weather event on October 29, 2024, when the region was gripped by a powerful dana—a rare meteorological phenomenon that turned into a tragedy for hundreds of residents.
According to the party’s organizational secretary, Vicent Mascarell, the socialists plan to act as a public prosecutor. Their goal is to ensure full transparency and find out exactly who was responsible for obtaining and subsequently falsifying the audio recording, as well as to hold everyone involved accountable, both politically and criminally.
High-profile names
At the center of attention are former senior officials of the Valencia government: Ricardo García García, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Justice and the Interior, and Alberto Martín Moratilla, former director of Emergency and Firefighting Services. It has emerged that while in their positions, they gained access to the recording of the phone conversation between the 112 operator and the Aemet meteorologist on the morning the disaster struck the region.
Both officials were dismissed after it became known that the recording had been manipulated. According to investigators, the audio file was altered and then passed to the media to create the impression that meteorologists had underestimated the severity of the approaching storm. However, the full version of the conversation shows the opposite: the Aemet employee warned about the seriousness of the situation, especially after 3:00 pm.
Manipulation and consequences
The manipulated recording sparked a storm of public outrage and triggered a large-scale investigation. As a result of the tragedy that unfolded that day, 230 people lost their lives—a number that shocked the entire country. The authorities found themselves under pressure: the public demanded answers, while political opponents seized the opportunity to accuse each other of covering up the truth and attempting to use the disaster for their own gain.
Vicent Mascarell emphasizes that this is not about political rivalry, but about defending the principles of emergency response and civil protection. He insists that any attempts to use such mechanisms for personal or party interests must be firmly stamped out. He maintains that everyone involved in obtaining, altering, or distributing the recording must be held accountable.
Defending the truth
The Socialists are convinced that only a thorough and transparent investigation can restore trust in public institutions. They are demanding a clear and unequivocal legal assessment of the actions of former officials, as well as their official accountability. The party believes that upholding the truth and following public service protocols are the foundation of a democratic society.
At the same time, there is talk in the corridors that this scandal may be just the tip of the iceberg. It is possible that new details will soon emerge, which could further shock the public and the region’s political elite. For now, the entire country is watching the court proceedings, which promise to be among the most talked-about events of the year.
