Spain’s King Felipe VI faced a hostile reception while visiting the flood-devastated region of Valencia, as crowds booed and heckled him for the government’s response to the disaster. The King was touring the worst affected towns in the aftermath of the floods, which have tragically claimed the lives of at least 214 people.
Protests have erupted across the region, with many expressing frustration and anger over what they perceive as a lackluster government response to the crisis. Tens of thousands of soldiers and police officers have been deployed to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts, as the scale of the devastation continues to unfold.
Al Jazeera’s Sonia Gallego reported live from Paiporta on the outskirts of Valencia, capturing the tense atmosphere and widespread grievances in the flood-hit area. Ruth Ferrero, a noted Lecturer in Political Science and Senior Researcher at the Complutense University of Madrid, provided valuable insights into the political implications of the disaster and the public sentiment towards the government’s handling of the crisis.
As Spain grapples with the aftermath of the floods and the mounting death toll, questions surrounding climate change and disaster preparedness have come to the forefront. The protests against King Felipe’s visit underscore the deep-seated frustrations and concerns of the communities affected by the disaster, as they demand accountability and swift action from their leaders.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “Spain's king booed in flood-hit Valencia: Crowds protest against the government's response” was uploaded on 11/03/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English