As King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited the flood-devastated town of Paiporta in Valencia, frustrated residents threw mud and objects at them, shouting “murderer” and “shame.” The scene intensified when Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also arrived and faced hostility, eventually prompting a swift evacuation.
Fatal Floods and Rising Tensions
The flood, one of Spain’s deadliest in decades, has claimed over 200 lives, with rescue teams still searching for survivors. Anger has grown over a perceived lack of preparation and government response. “They left us to die,” one resident said, while a teenager described his efforts to help amid the devastation.
The King’s Response
Footage captured King Felipe speaking with locals, even embracing some, as his bodyguards struggled to protect him. He later expressed understanding of the crowd’s frustration in a video message. The royal entourage’s next visit, to the heavily affected town of Chiva, was postponed due to security concerns, reflecting the depth of local frustration.
Protesters Throw Mud at Spanish Royals 🧵
As King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited the flood-devastated town of Paiporta in Valencia, frustrated residents threw mud and objects at them, shouting “murderer” and “shame.” The scene intensified when Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez… pic.twitter.com/hrCaiosanE
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