VALENCIA: During a visit to the flood-stricken town of Paiporta, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain were met with angry protests, as crowds threw mud and other objects at the royal couple. Shouts of “murderer” and “shame” rang out from the crowd, expressing their frustration over the government’s response to one of the worst floods in decades, which has claimed over 200 lives in the Valencia region.
Despite the hostile reception, King Felipe and Queen Letizia were seen comforting members of the affected community, their faces and clothes smeared with mud. Footage captured the king walking down a pedestrian street, where he and his security detail were suddenly overwhelmed by a surge of demonstrators hurling insults and projectiles. In an effort to connect with the protesters, the king engaged with several individuals, even embracing some in a gesture of solidarity.
As the royal entourage departed, images showed the king and queen sheltered under umbrellas, a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them. Civil guards and mounted officers were later deployed to help disperse the irate crowd.
The public’s anger stems from a perceived lack of warning and inadequate support from authorities in the wake of the devastating floods. Juan Bordera, a member of the Valencian parliament, criticized the timing of the royal visit, stating, “It’s logical that the people are angry; they didn’t understand why this visit is so urgent.”
In a response on social media, the president of Valencia’s parliament, Carlos Mazón, acknowledged the public’s frustration while praising the king’s “exemplary” engagement with the community.
In an effort to bolster relief efforts, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has ordered the deployment of an additional 10,000 troops, police officers, and civil guards to the region, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
