The President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, has announced a financial aid package of 250 million euros, allocating 2,500 euros per person to those who lost vehicles in the devastating floods on October 29.
Speaking during a control session at Les Corts, Mazón emphasised that the aid will be processed with “no requirements”, ensuring swift support for affected individuals.
National Proposals for Catastrophe Management
Mazón also highlighted two significant proposals introduced at the Conference of Presidents:
Creation of an Extraordinary National Fund for Catastrophes
Approval of a National Plan Against Floods
These proposals will be registered in Les Corts for debate to foster a Valencian consensus. Mazón expressed his intent to present these initiatives to the Spanish Government and other autonomous communities with broad support from all political groups.
Generalitat’s Response and Challenges
Mazón outlined the Generalitat’s extensive recovery efforts:
Over 14,000 direct aid payments for essential needs, totaling nearly 84 million euros.
Mobilization of more than 1.05 billion euros for recovery and reconstruction efforts, marking the largest deployment of resources in the Generalitat’s history.
Despite these efforts, Mazón criticized the central government for neglecting seven out of ten investment requests submitted by the Generalitat, while 238 million euros were allocated to other regions such as Catalonia.
Recovery Milestones Achieved
In just 50 days, the Generalitat has accomplished the following:
100% restoration of regional roads and re-opening of all affected schools.
Repairs to 123 damaged treatment plants and reopening of 57 health centres.
Restoration of 80% of Metrovalencia services and full operational status of the tram network.
Removal of 500,000 tonnes of waste and halting waste discharge into l’Albufera.
Opposition Criticism
Mazón criticised the Socialist Party for excluding over 24 flood-affected municipalities from government aid lists. He also called on the party to support waiving Property Tax and Tax on Economic Activities for affected residents in Congress.
Regarding Compromís, Mazón expressed disappointment over their refusal to collaborate on critical issues, such as:
Government aid for flood victims.
Approving an extraordinary credit of 700 million euros for reconstruction.
He also condemned the lack of response from the Compromís ombudsman regarding the elimination of the 3 billion euro Autonomous Liquidity Fund, which he warned could undermine social, health, and education policies in the Valencian Community.
Mazón reaffirmed his commitment to securing additional non-repayable aid and tax relief for flood victims, urging political unity to address the community’s recovery needs effectively.
