During a visit to the Joint Coordination Center in Valencia Province, he expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the rescue work, noting that the authorities must give hope to those affected in resolving the flood problem, and ensure the state’s full participation in resolving the problem.
“We understand the anger and despair of many people because of how bad their condition is as a result of the floods,” he said in a video clip.
Philip VI and his wife were subjected to angry chants and pelted with mud during his visit on Sunday to one of the flood-affected areas in the province of Valencia.
After the incident, the Royal House said that the king and his wife cut off their visit to areas affected by rain and floods, and canceled their trip to Chiva, a small, remote village in Valencia.
Some prominent figures and politicians in Spain expressed their dissatisfaction with the response of the central and regional governments during the floods, and accused them of failing to prevent a disaster of this magnitude and confront its consequences.
It was reported that the Spanish government will attract another five thousand soldiers to help the affected areas in Valencia, and in addition, Madrid will send five thousand additional officers.
On October 29, heavy rain fell in different regions of Spain, with the southern and eastern regions of the country particularly affected.
The number of deaths as a result of the worst floods the country has witnessed in its modern history rose to 217 people on Sunday, most of them in Valencia, in addition to the destruction of thousands of homes and leaving nearly 3,000 families without electricity.
On Sunday, Spanish meteorology issued a red warning for the province of Valencia, east of the country, for the second time in 5 days, warning of thunderstorms carrying heavy rain during the next few hours.
Source: RT
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**Interview with Dr. Laura González, Political Analyst and Sociologist**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. González. What are your thoughts on the recent incident involving King Felipe VI and the protests in Valencia?
**Dr. González:** Thank you for having me. The incident is quite telling of the public sentiment in Spain right now. The mud pelting and chants of “murderer” directed at the king are clear expressions of social frustration. The people of Valencia are suffering, and they feel that their voices and needs are not being adequately addressed by their leaders.
**Interviewer:** King Felipe VI expressed understanding of the anger and despair of the citizens. Do you think this response will help soothe the tensions?
**Dr. González:** Acknowledging the pain of the people is an important first step. However, it’s crucial that this acknowledgment translates into action. The public is looking for tangible solutions to their problems, especially in the wake of natural disasters like the recent floods. Statements alone won’t suffice; they need to see real commitment and swift action from their government.
**Interviewer:** How does this kind of protest affect the royal family’s relationship with the public?
**Dr. González:** Incidents like this could strain the relationship significantly. The monarchy’s relevance in contemporary Spain relies heavily on public support. If citizens continue to feel neglected or unsafe, their trust in the institution may diminish. The royal family must engage more with the populace, ensuring they are perceived as allies rather than distant figures.
**Interviewer:** What role do you think the government should play in addressing the concerns of flood victims?
**Dr. González:** The government must prioritize disaster response and recovery efforts. This includes not just immediate relief but also long-term strategies for flood prevention and infrastructure improvement. Additionally, public communication is key; authorities need to keep the public informed about what is being done to aid those affected and to rebuild trust.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what messages do you think the protests send to other leaders in the country?
**Dr. González:** The protests send a clear message that leaders need to be accountable and responsive to the needs of their constituents. It serves as a warning that disregard for public sentiment can lead to unrest. Other leaders should take note and ensure that they are actively engaging with the communities they serve, especially during times of crisis.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. González, for your insights on this critical issue.
**Dr. González:** My pleasure! Thank you for discussing these important topics.
