Valencia marks the anniversary of the devastating DANA that claimed 229 lives. On this day, the regional capital is observing a state mourning ceremony attended by King Felipe VI. However, public attention is focused not only on remembering the victims, but also on Carlos Mazón—the head of the autonomous community, who has found himself at the center of a legal investigation and internal party turmoil.
The investigation into the actions of the authorities on the day of the disaster is gaining momentum. The judge in Catarroja continues to gather evidence suggesting that the warning about the impending danger was sent too late. According to the investigation, the alert reached residents’ mobile phones only at 20:11, by which time most of the victims could no longer be saved. It was also revealed that an urgent request to notify the population was received from central authorities an hour earlier, but it was not fulfilled on time.
Dissatisfaction is growing within Mazón’s party. The leader of the Partido Popular, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has demanded the regional president provide a full explanation of his actions during those critical hours. Mazón himself has changed his account of events several times, fueling even more suspicion. Phone records and eyewitness testimonies show he arrived at his office only at 19:45, despite official statements to the contrary.
Public pressure also shows no sign of easing. Over the past weekend, thousands of residents took to the streets once again, protesting the way emergency services were managed on the day of the tragedy. Several families of the victims openly opposed Mazón’s participation in the memorial ceremony, holding him responsible for the delays in issuing the alert.
Key Figures and New Investigation Details
Particular attention is focused on the upcoming hearings, where witnesses are expected to testify, including journalist Maribel Vilaplana, with whom Mazón spent part of the tragic day. Her testimony could clarify Mazón’s whereabouts during the most critical moments. Additionally, the head of the emergency communications service has already testified in court, confirming that the alarm could have been raised much earlier, but the decision was delayed due to internal approvals.
The regional government prefers not to comment on new details, limiting itself to statements that all necessary explanations have already been provided. However, both the public and political figures are demanding greater transparency and accountability. The resignation of one of the key coordinators for the recovery of affected areas has only reinforced the sense of a leadership crisis.
Internal Party Divisions and Mazón’s Future
The People’s Party is considering a possible change of leadership in the region. After a series of missteps and mounting pressure from the opposition, Mazón’s position has weakened significantly. His future largely depends on his performance at hearings in Congress, the Senate, and the regional parliament. The main question for all parties remains: why was the alarm raised so late?
For now, residents of Valencia and the entire country are waiting for answers as the judicial investigation continues. The anniversary of the tragedy has become not only a day of remembrance but also a time when society demands change and honesty from its leaders.
