The former president of Valencia, Carlos Mazón, is under renewed scrutiny for a period of time he spent with a journalist when catastrophic floods struck the region, with new reports suggesting their encounter lasted longer than previously acknowledged. The flash floods on October 29, 2024, caused 229 deaths, and Mazón’s government faced criticism for delayed emergency alerts issued after most victims had likely died.
Investigations have shown that Mazón was having a lengthy lunch with local journalist Maribel Vilaplana for nearly four hours on the day of the floods. During this time, he did not oversee emergency meetings, and both initially stated they separated shortly after leaving the restaurant around 18:45. The meal took place as the crisis unfolded, raising questions about his availability during a critical period.
However, recent allegations based on bank card records indicate that Vilaplana did not drive out of the underground car park until 19:47. Local news outlet Levante, citing sources from Mazón’s People’s Party, reported that she drove him to the regional government headquarters, where he arrived around 20:00. This contradicts earlier accounts and suggests they were together for over an hour after the restaurant.
Mazón has denied these claims, insisting that he walked to the government building and did not stop elsewhere. He argued that the new information is unrelated to the emergency handling and blamed central government agencies for insufficient warnings. His phone records show he did not answer several calls during the unaccounted time, adding to the mystery.
The investigation led by Judge Nuria Ruiz Tobarra is examining possible negligence by authorities. Testimony from Vilaplana and Mazón’s chief of staff, José Manuel Cuenca, revealed that the seriousness of the situation was known by 15:00, when the lunch began. Other officials, like former interior head Salomé Pradas, have been named as suspects but deny wrongdoing.
Mazón announced his resignation earlier this month due to perceptions of mishandling the crisis. He cannot be charged because of parliamentary immunity, but political opponents, such as José Muñoz of the Socialist Party, are calling for his seat to be revoked, alleging he is entangled in a “labyrinth of lies.”
The disaster has left lasting anger among Spaniards, with many demanding answers a year later. The region experienced more bad weather recently, raising concerns about preparedness and governance. Public outrage continues to fuel calls for accountability and improved emergency protocols.
As the judicial inquiry continues, it may uncover more details about the timeline and responsibilities, influencing future emergency protocols and political accountability in Valencia. The outcome could shape regional leadership and disaster response strategies across Spain.
