Overview
- Carlos Mazón announced his resignation on November 3, saying “I can’t do it anymore,” admitting mistakes while defending aspects of his handling of the disaster.
- He asked the Partido Popular and Vox to agree on a successor, with Spanish media indicating the parties prefer to avoid early elections and are considering Juanfran Pérez Llorca for an interim handover.
- The Corts Valencianes must now elect a new regional president, and Mazón intends to remain a legislator.
- Judicial investigations into the catastrophe response are active, a witness tied to Mazón’s lunch on the day was questioned, and leaving office could remove his immunity and allow prosecutors or judges to question him directly.
- Core criticisms cite emergency warnings sent only after flooding began and more than 12 hours after a red alert, alongside public fury highlighted at the anniversary memorial; about 229 people died and losses are estimated at €17–18 billion.