Amid the wreckage left by one of Spain’s deadliest floods, a recent visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to the town of Paiporta took a contentious turn as angry residents hurled mud and insults at the royal couple. The crowd, furious over what they see as government mismanagement, shouted “Get out!” and “Killers!” at the Spanish monarchs, with some protesters even throwing rocks. Several bodyguards sustained injuries during the incident, which underscores mounting frustration among those devastated by the floods.
More than 200 people lost their lives, and thousands more saw their homes reduced to ruins after severe flash flooding hit eastern Spain. The disaster, intensified by climate change, overwhelmed local infrastructure and left thousands without access to clean water, power, and necessities. In Paiporta, where residents still deal with extensive flood debris, frustrations have reached a boiling point. Protesters wielding shovels and other makeshift tools demanded accountability from officials, including Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and regional Valencia President Carlo Mazon, who was criticized for the delayed emergency response.
During the tense visit, Queen Letizia, visibly affected by the plight of survivors, spoke with residents who voiced their grievances, some of whom had not had access to drinking water for days. The Queen was seen with mud on her clothes as she comforted locals, while King Felipe attempted to continue his interactions despite the charged atmosphere. The royals eventually had to cut short their visit, as security concerns mounted amid the volatile crowd.
This public backlash is unprecedented for Spain’s monarchy, which typically enjoys favorable public reception. King Felipe, who ascended the throne in 2014 following his father’s abdication amid scandals, has strived to rebuild trust with the Spanish people. However, the royal family’s role in times of national crisis, coupled with government’s handling of the disaster, has prompted growing criticism and a demand for reform.
Source: Swifteradio.com
