The visit of the King and Queen of Spain, Pedro Sánchez and the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, to Paiporta, considered to be the ‘ground zero’ of the recent DANA in Valenciahas been marked by an intense protest demonstration. Amid shouts of “Get out!”, “Liars!” and “Help!”, residents expressed their indignation with mud and object throwing in a tense atmosphere that led to activate security measures. The meeting began as an official visit to see firsthand the damage caused by the storm, to provide support to the victims and to convey a message of solidarity to the neighbors. However, after a short time, the visit became complicated when a crowd of people began to rebuke the leaders. Sánchez, who was visiting the area together with Felipe VI, Letizia and Mazón, had to be removed by his bodyguards after being shouted at and attempts of aggression with sticks and mud. The president’s bodyguards activated the security protocol and evacuated him to the Advanced Command Post, according to a statement from the Government Delegation.
Moments of high tension
The situation was particularly tense at the moment when the Kings and Mazón involuntarily separated from the main procession, remaining at the front of the route and directly facing a crowd that surrounded them with shouts and mud throwing. Security personnel tried to protect the king with umbrellas on several occasions, although he insisted on removing them to listen to the people who approached to express their complaints. Queen Letizia also experienced moments of great emotion when several women told her of their situation amid hugs and tears. “We are dead already” and “Why are you coming now?” were some of the phrases that the neighbors addressed to the monarch, who tried to comfort and show her support to those affected in the midst of a clearly hostile environment.
Enhanced security measures
Faced with increasing tension, the retinue was backed up by more troops, including mounted police and military from the UME, who tried to create a barrier between the leaders and the neighbors. The Royal Household has informed that, after the incidents, the decision was taken to cancel the visit that was scheduled in Chiva. In addition, the King has called an emergency meeting for this Monday at the UME Headquarters at the Torrejón Air Base to assess the damage and coordinate further actions in response to the crisis caused by the DANA.
Call for calm and solidarity
Carlos Mazón, president of the Generalitat Valenciana, tried to mediate the mood and listen to the demands, assuring those present that the Generalitat will remain in direct contact with the local authorities to assess and cover all the urgent needs of those affected. The King and Queen, who also spoke by telephone with the mayors of the most affected localities in the previous days, insisted on transmitting their support and their “deep regret” for the material and human losses suffered. The incidents in Paiporta reflect the feelings of many affected by the storm in the Valencian Community, who are demanding greater support and faster actions to mitigate the devastating effects of the DANA in their communities.
