Valencia's leader resigns after backlash over deadly floods

November 04, 2025 / 10:05 AM

President of Valencia's Region Carlos Mazon gives a press conference to announce his resignation at Valencia's Palau de la Generalitat

Sharjah24 - AFP: Carlos Mazon, the embattled leader of Spain’s Valencia region, announced his resignation on Monday following a year of mounting criticism over his handling of the 2024 floods, which claimed more than 230 lives—the country’s deadliest in decades.

In a televised address, Mazon admitted he could “no longer go on,” acknowledging that he had become “the focus of criticism, noise, hatred and tension.” His decision came after months of political and public outrage over the regional government’s delayed response during the disaster.

Delayed warnings and mishandled emergency response

Under Spain’s decentralised system, Mazon’s conservative-led administration held primary responsibility for the emergency response. However, residents received mobile alerts after flooding had already begun—more than 12 hours after the national weather agency issued its highest-level warning for torrential rain.

Critics accused Mazon of negligence, noting that he did not alter his schedule that day and even attended a lengthy lunch with a journalist, despite worsening conditions across the region.

Admission of mistakes and apology

In his farewell statement, Mazon expressed regret and remorse over his actions during the tragedy. “I should have had the political vision to cancel my appointments and visit the affected areas on the day of the disaster,” he said. “I know I made mistakes. I acknowledge them and will live with them all my life.”

Mazon also asked for forgiveness, but his resignation reignited political tension nationwide, with renewed debate over crisis management and accountability in Spain’s regional governments.