Valencia region president Mazón resigns after floods

Carlos Mazón, president of Spain's eastern Valencia region, announced his resignation on Monday, one year after catastrophic floods on October 29, 2024, that killed 229 people and caused billions of euros in damage. Addressing reporters in Valencia, Mazón said, "I can't go on anymore," and cited mounting criticism of his administration's handling of the disaster as the reason for his departure.

The storm that struck last October produced one of Europe's deadliest flood events in decades, with the worst damage concentrated in suburbs south of Valencia. Residents and relatives of victims have long accused the regional government of reacting too slowly as torrential rains overwhelmed rivers and swept through neighborhoods. Investigations and public inquiries have highlighted delays in issuing mobile phone alerts and other warnings, by which time many buildings were already submerged.

In his resignation speech Mazón sharply criticized the national government's response and repeatedly said Madrid had not provided sufficient support for the region's recovery. He also acknowledged errors, saying, "I know I made mistakes. I acknowledge them, and I will live with them for the rest of my...