Jose Antonio Rovira, the Minister of Education, Culture, and Universities of the Valencian Government, has found himself at the center of a major scandal following the events that unfolded during the destructive DANA. At the height of the emergency, the official left his post, citing a lack of sufficient data from the central authorities and claims that they had created a false sense of security. His actions sparked a wave of outrage among both lawmakers and the public.
During a parliamentary commission meeting, Rovira tried to shift responsibility away from the regional government, arguing that Madrid had failed to provide timely information. However, he was reminded that a red alert had already been declared in the morning, and many schools and universities had independently decided to close. Representatives from different parties accused the minister of lying and attempting to mislead the parliament.
Responsibility and authority
In response to questions from lawmakers, Rovira stated that on October 29, 2024, he was not the one primarily responsible for safety in educational institutions. He explained that his ministry does not have the authority to decide on openings or closures. He emphasized that he is only accountable for his department’s staff and does not deal with emergency response issues.
At the same time, parliament members recalled that rescue operations were already underway in the region that day, and information about the hydrological alert for the Magro River and the Poyo stream was received at 11:40 a.m. The minister stated that he did not remember the government colleague responsible for emergency situations informing him about the start of rescue efforts. According to him, yet another red alert did not cause him particular concern.
Criticism and accusations
Lawmakers noted that, unlike the Ministry of Education, the vice president of the government warned daytime care centers and nursing homes about the impending danger in advance. Rovira, on the other hand, limited himself to posting information on the official website, and only the next day did his department begin calling schools to inquire about damages and offer psychological support.
The minister explained his actions by a lack of reliable information and argued that both regional and national bodies, in his view, failed to provide him with the full picture. He stressed that the government delegate in Valencia and the Júcar River Basin Authority, who were responsible for coordinating actions, also failed to show sufficient initiative.
Personal circumstances
On the day of the disaster, Rovira left for Alicante in an official car around 1 p.m., citing family reasons. He stated that if he had received more specific information, he would have acted differently. Meanwhile, parliament heard accusations that the minister downplayed the threat and failed to take the necessary measures to protect students and staff.
At the end of the discussion, deputies asked whether the minister had apologized to the principal of the school in Cheste, who died while saving the school. Rovira replied that the department had already expressed its condolences and was now waiting for a similar gesture from the central authorities.
