Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia encountered angry protests as they visited Valencia on Sunday, where recent catastrophic floods have claimed over 200 lives. Residents in Paiporta, a severely affected area, booed and threw eggs, chanting “murderer” at the king, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and regional governor Carlos Mazon. Locals expressed frustration over what they consider a slow, poorly coordinated response to the disaster.
The royal couple, known for their generally positive public image, seemed visibly affected by the hostility. King Felipe attempted to engage directly with distressed residents, lowering his umbrella and listening to a concerned local amid the tense crowd. Video footage later showed Felipe and Letizia consoling residents, some of whom broke down in their arms.
Prime Minister Sanchez, who left early citing security protocol, recently ordered 5,000 more troops to assist with relief efforts and acknowledged the criticism, admitting the response was “not enough.” Delays in text alerts and logistical setbacks have added to the public’s discontent, as local and national authorities initially clashed over authorizing federal emergency funds—a process that took four days due to political differences between Sanchez and Mazon’s respective parties.
Meanwhile, thousands of volunteers arrived to help clear debris, though supply shortages and logistical issues led to delays, leaving many frustrated. With further rain expected, the Spanish Weather Agency has issued a maximum red alert for the Valencia coast, urging residents to stay indoors.
