The Vice President of the Valencian Government, Susana Camarero, has stated that resignations are not an option at the moment in response to the handling of the dana that occurred on October 29th. She emphasized the need to focus on the magnitude of the catastrophe, the damage to municipalities, and the people affected. Camarero asserted that they will continue working tirelessly to address the crisis and cannot afford to lose a single minute. When asked about self-criticism regarding the disaster management, she referred to the upcoming public appearance of President Carlos Mazón, where he will provide all necessary explanations to clarify any doubts that have arisen.
Camarero also criticized the central government and called for more investment, stating, “We need a Government of Spain that does not give us money in dribs and drabs and does not skimp on a single euro for those affected.” Regarding the demonstration that took place on Saturday in Valencia, where 130,000 people gathered to condemn President Carlos Mazón’s handling of the dana, Camarero acknowledged the pain and frustration of those who attended. She noted that while some participants genuinely expressed their indignation and sorrow, others may have exploited the situation for political gain. Camarero stressed that the violent actions seen during the protest do not represent the majority of peaceful demonstrators.
In response to the criticism of the communication between Minister Teresa Ribera and President Mazón on the day of the tragedy, Camarero explained that there was a temporary breakdown in communication due to the dana itself, which was quickly resolved. She highlighted that Teresa Ribera said she had been trying to reach President Mazón while she was in Brussels instead of focusing on Valencia. Camarero emphasized the importance of effective communication and coordination in times of crisis to ensure a timely and efficient response to emergencies.
The statements from the Vice President of the Valencian Government come in the context of ongoing scrutiny and debate surrounding the management of the dana and its aftermath. The government’s decision not to consider resignations at this time reflects their commitment to addressing the crisis and providing support to those affected by the disaster. Camarero’s call for increased financial support from the central government underscores the need for collaboration and cooperation between different levels of administration to effectively respond to natural disasters and emergencies.
As President Carlos Mazón prepares to address the Cortes Valencianas to provide further explanations on the handling of the dana, the focus remains on transparency, accountability, and the need to learn from past mistakes to improve future disaster response strategies. Camarero’s remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by governments in managing natural disasters and the importance of listening to and addressing the concerns of citizens affected by such events. The aftermath of the dana serves as a critical moment for reflection, evaluation, and action to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Valencia in the face of future crises.