Official announcements from the Spanish government or credible news sources

Spanish King and PM Attacked with Mud and Stones Amid Floods Killing 217 in Valencia

Nov 3, 2024, 03:30 PM

Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia faced angry crowds on Sunday during a visit to the flood-hit Valencia region, where devastating floods have killed at least 217 people. In the town of Paiporta, the worst-affected area, residents expressed their frustration by throwing mud, stones, and rocks, and shouting insults such as 'assassins' and 'murderers' at the royal couple and government officials, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The bodyguards struggled to contain the aggressive crowd, using umbrellas to shield the officials, and some were reportedly left bleeding. The visit was cut short as tensions escalated, and Sánchez and other politicians were evacuated. The crowds accused the authorities of negligence and mismanagement in handling the disaster response, calling for resignations.