Spanish Leader Carlos Mazón Resigns Amid Fury Over Valencia Floods
VALENCIA, SPAIN — November 3, 2025. The regional president of Valencia, Carlos Mazón, has officially resigned following relentless criticism over his government’s disastrous handling of the October 2024 flash floods that left more than 230 people dead and caused widespread destruction across eastern Spain.
The decision ends months of mounting political pressure and public outrage against Mazón, whose leadership during one of Europe’s deadliest natural disasters in recent memory was widely condemned as slow, uncoordinated, and negligent. His departure also marks a critical blow to Spain’s center-right Popular Party, which has struggled to recover from the controversy surrounding the floods.
Admission of Mistakes After a Year of Criticism
Speaking to reporters on Monday in Valencia, Mazón said he would step down immediately, citing the unbearable weight of public anger and personal remorse. “I know I made mistakes,” he said. “I acknowledge them and will live with them for the rest of my life. I have apologized and I apologize again today.”
The former leader insisted that his errors were not driven by political motives, but admitted that he lacked the “political foresight” to respond adequately. His comments came just days after he faced open hostility at a state memorial ceremony marking the first anniversary of the floods, where grieving families called him a “killer” and demanded his resignation.
Public Anger Over Delayed Emergency Response
Mazón’s administration was heavily criticized for its delayed flood alerts, which reached residents’ cellphones hours after floodwaters had already swept through neighborhoods, overturning cars and destroying homes.
Investigations revealed that the regional emergency coordination office failed to act on early weather warnings issued by national meteorologists. Citizens were left without timely evacuation orders as torrential rains turned rivers into raging torrents, inundating the suburbs of Valencia and nearby provinces.
Adding to the outrage, Mazón was found to have attended a leisurely lunch with a journalist on the day of the disaster while emergency officials met to coordinate the response. Although he initially provided conflicting accounts of his whereabouts, he later conceded that his actions were “inappropriate under such dire circumstances.”
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One of Europe’s Deadliest Modern Floods
The October 29, 2024 floods devastated the Valencia region and neighboring provinces, killing 229 people locally and eight others across Spain. The Valencian Institute of Economic Research estimated total damages at €17 billion (US $19.6 billion), destroying infrastructure, farmland, and thousands of homes.
The floods were described by meteorologists as a “tsunami-like deluge”, caused by record-breaking rainfall intensified by climate change. Experts have since warned that southern Europe faces a growing risk of extreme weather events as global temperatures rise.
Climate Change Adds to Political Fallout
Spain’s national government and climate experts pointed to the tragedy as a warning sign of worsening climate-driven disasters. Over the past year, Valencia has hosted numerous rallies demanding better flood-defense systems, improved drainage infrastructure, and stronger accountability mechanisms for public officials.
Tens of thousands of residents joined street protests calling for Mazón’s resignation, with demonstrators accusing his government of prioritizing image over action. Environmental groups have also called for renewed investments in river-basin restoration and urban resilience programs.
Political Pressure from Madrid Intensifies
Throughout the past year, Mazón’s handling of the floods eroded public confidence in the Popular Party and strained relations with Spain’s Socialist-led national government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Mazón repeatedly accused Madrid of failing to provide adequate disaster assistance, but Sánchez countered by citing data showing that the central government had already disbursed €8 billion (US $9.2 billion) in reconstruction aid to Valencia.
Spanish political analysts said Mazón’s efforts to shift blame failed to convince voters. Under Spain’s decentralized system, regional authorities hold primary responsibility for civil-protection efforts, including emergency preparedness and coordination with national agencies.
Unclear Political Future After Sudden Exit
During Monday’s press conference, Mazón did not confirm whether he plans to call a snap regional election or retain his assembly seat, nor did he name an interim successor. Sources within the Popular Party said internal discussions were underway to appoint a caretaker leader to stabilize the administration until a formal vote can be held.
Mazón admitted that the year since the floods had brought “unbearable moments” for him and his family, citing constant public hostility and personal guilt. “I can’t take it anymore,” he concluded, ending his remarks visibly emotional.
A Year Later: Grief and Calls for Accountability
The floods’ anniversary continues to evoke grief across Valencia. Victims’ families gathered last week for candlelit vigils and memorial masses, demanding justice and institutional reform.
In a statement, Valencia’s Association of Flood Survivors welcomed Mazón’s resignation but stressed that accountability must extend to other officials who failed in their duties. “Resignation is not enough,” the group said. “We need a full investigation into why so many lives were lost and how the warnings were ignored.”
As Spain braces for another storm season, national leaders have pledged to strengthen disaster-response systems and improve coordination between regional and federal agencies. For many Valencians, however, Mazón’s downfall stands as a sobering reminder that climate disasters demand both foresight and political responsibility.
