Spain is still investigating the actions of former head of the Valencian Community Carlos Mazón (Carlos Mazón) on the night of the devastating disaster of October 29, 2024. New testimony from the advisor who accompanied Mazón may shift the course of the investigation and influence the assessment of the authorities’ response at this critical moment. For residents of the region, this brings questions about transparency and official accountability back to the forefront.
Advisor’s Testimony
The advisor who was with Mazón that night testified before the court in Catarroja (Catarroja, Valencia). According to him, the ex-head of the region spent about 25 minutes at the government building (Palau de la Generalitat) before heading to the Cecopi coordination center, where key decisions on disaster response were made. The advisor clarified that Mazón was engaged in phone conversations during this time, but only heard discussion of the emergency itself closer to 19:45, when a call came in about problems with the Forata dam.
As reported by El Pais, it was after this call that Mazón first mentioned the scale of the disaster. Until then, according to the advisor, there had been no discussion of the emergency. At 20:00 the delegation left the government building and headed to Cecopi, where the crisis was already in full swing.
Discrepancies in Testimonies
These new details contradict Mazón’s earlier account, in which he claimed to have been monitoring the situation from 17:00 while inside the government building. However, testimonies from his driver, security, and now his advisor indicate that Mazón only arrived at the Palau shortly before 20:00. By the time he reached Cecopi, most of the tragedy had already unfolded, and the death toll had risen to nearly 230.
The court proceedings are ongoing, and new testimonies raise questions about how timely and effective the regional leadership’s actions were. According to El Pais, the advisor now works within the Partido Popular of Valencia, which only adds intrigue to his statements.
Context and consequences
Emerging details about officials’ actions on the night of the tragedy are sparking significant public debate. Recalling recent investigations, it’s worth noting that there was previous attention on Mazón’s lack of security at the height of the disaster—a topic explored in a report on why the former regional head was without security during the catastrophe. Such details underscore how vital it is for society to have reliable information about the authorities’ actions in critical moments.
The court investigation into the actions of the leadership of the Valencian Community continues. New testimony may lead to a reassessment of the performance of the region’s former head and his team. For residents of Valencia and all of Spain, this is not only a matter of justice but also a signal for greater transparency in governance during emergencies.
Reference information
In recent years, Spain has faced several large-scale natural disasters that have caused casualties and destruction. In 2023, a similar situation occurred in Murcia, where heavy rains triggered flooding and mass evacuations. At that time, questions were also raised regarding the actions of local authorities and the coordination of services. In 2022, delays in responding to wildfires in Catalonia sparked public debates about the readiness of regional agencies to handle crises. Each of these incidents raises concerns about transparency and accountability among leadership, as well as the need for reforms within the emergency management system.
