King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain faced a hostile crowd in Paiporta, Valencia, one of the regions hardest hit by recent catastrophic floods. The royal couple, alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, were met with mud, insults, and thrown objects as they toured the flood-stricken town. Shouts of “murderer” and “shame” echoed through the streets as people expressed their frustration over the government’s response to the disaster.
The floods, the worst Spain has seen in decades, have claimed at least 217 lives, with many more feared missing. Emergency workers continue to search for survivors in underground parking areas and tunnels.
Footage showed King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia surrounded by security as protesters surged forward. Despite the tension, the king engaged with some residents, even embracing a few. However, the escalating hostility led to Prime Minister Sánchez and regional leader Carlos Mazón being evacuated. Reports showed stones being thrown at Sánchez’s car as he departed.
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The king later acknowledged the people’s “anger and frustration” in a message posted on the royal household’s Instagram. Local officials, including Paiporta’s mayor Maribel Albalat, expressed understanding of the public’s emotions amid the crisis.
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