VALENCIA FLOODS AFTERMATH: Enraged protesters throw mud, rocks at Spain’s king and queen

International

ANGRY protesters didn’t hold back when the King and Queen of Spain as the royal couple visited the flood-hit Valencia on Sunday.

In what was supposed to be a visit to check on the residents' situations, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, together with other leaders, were welcomed with mud and other objects pelting their faces by the enraged flood victims as they walked down a pedestrian street in Paiporta, one of the worst-affected places by the flood.

Two bodyguards were treated for injuries, as not only mud was thrown at the royal couple but also rocks and other solid objects.

Screams of insults calling the monarch “murderer” and “shame” were heard across the streets while the guards securing the royal couple struggled to ensure the head of the state’s safety by opening umbrellas, as the number of protesters started to overwhelm the area. One woman was heard shouting that their head of state “left them to die” after they had lost everything from their homes, businesses, and dreams, a BBC report said.

The antagonistic crowd did not pull the will of the royal couple to comfort several of the victims and managed to hug and talk to some of them before they left the area, which resulted in the postponement of their travel to Chiva, another town of the Province of Valencia that was severely hit by the flood.

Valencian parliament member Juan Bordera described the king’s visit as “a very bad decision”, as the monarch’s visit worsened the frustration of the victims.

Spanish residents unleashed their anger on the state because of what they believed was failure by the government to provide for their needs during the time of crisis.

Mayor Maribel Albalat of Paiporta, who was shocked by the aggressiveness of her constituents, understood the frustration and desperation of the people, as the massive flooding hit their town and brought huge devastation to the property and lives of the people.

BBC reported that over 200 people were killed in Easter Spain as the flooding caused by nonstop rains since Tuesday covered the town and resulted in toppled trees and posts and even collapsed bridges and other structures leaving the community with no electricity, water, food, and other necessities.

The King in a video posted on the royal household’s Instagram account said he fully understands the anger and frustration of the people.(LAO)