Podemos and IU demand that Pedro Sánchez “take control” of the situation to confront DANA in the Valencian Community. Among the criticisms aimed at the delay in the state’s response and, above all, aimed at the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, both groups defend the need for the Government to immediately declare a state of alarm.
The coordinator of the IU, Antonio Maíllo, made this known in a press conference in which he announced that he will raise this position within the Sumar parliamentary group, hoping that the group will approve it. The UI leader also criticized the “ambiguous” role played by the Army, because in the affected locations the UI leaders communicated to him the “discrepancy” between the expectation generated by the arrival of soldiers theoretically to carry out removal work rubble. but the task of an important part of the troops is surveillance work. For IU, the situation requires moving to emergency level three and declaring a state of alarm, accelerating aid to the affected population and debris removal work, etc., as soon as possible. An opinion also shared by Compromís.
The IU is far from the Sumar Movement, despite forming the same government coalition and the same parliamentary group in the Congress of Deputies. While the IU focuses on the Government and urges it to take command, the party that represents the second vice president of the Government, Yolanda Díaz, does not avoid clarifying whether it supports this request from Antonio Maíllo. In fact, it leaves the decision in the hands of the Council of Ministers, of which they are part. Sumar does not clarify this point and simply underlines that this position will have to be adopted in the Council of Ministers and according to what the experts think. The spokesperson of the Sumar Movement, the secretary of the Sumar Organization, Lara Hernández, and her Communications counterpart, Elizabeth Duval, were questioned several times on this topic. They only responded that Sumar is “open” to any proposal that would resolve the situation. However, this debate takes place at the government level, despite Yolanda Díaz being its highest representative in the Government. The party specifies, however, that the declaration of the state of alarm “is not on the table” and for this reason a “serious evaluation” of the position defended by the IU cannot be made.
Podemos, for its part, called for Sánchez to also declare a state of alarm and criticized him for not doing more during DANA’s worst period. “It is clear that the most responsible here is obviously the Mazón government, but we also believe that the central government could have done more. It should have sent aid and taken command from the first moment so that they would have been deployed by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning all the troops necessary to help and protect these people”, said the secretary of the Viola Organization, Pablo Fernández.
The purple party also demands that Sánchez stop his “tactical fight” with Mazón and believes that the Valencian president must “resign” and, then, “be held accountable before Justice”. There were several disqualifications used by Podemos against Mazón as ”negligent”, “inept” and “useless”. “The Sánchez government had the ability to intervene from day one (…) and the reality is that it did not do so. There was no need to wait for the negligent, for the useless Mazón to ask for absolutely nothing “We had to take command and act urgently and with the extraordinary measures necessary to treat and assist a population that, as I said, felt, rightly, totally abandoned and defenseless”, denounced the leader of the purple formation.
Interview Transcript: Time.news Exclusive Conversation with Expert on Emergency Management and Political Responses
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and welcome to another episode of our insightful discussions. Today, we have with us Dr. Helena Vargas, an expert in emergency management and political responses to natural disasters. Dr. Vargas, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Helena Vargas (HV): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right into the recent events in the Valencian Community where Podemos and IU are urging Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to declare a state of alarm due to the ongoing DANA situation. What are your thoughts on this demand?
HV: It’s certainly a critical moment. Declaring a state of alarm can allow for a more coordinated and robust governmental response during emergencies. In this case, the calls from IU and Podemos highlight the urgency required to address the immediate needs of affected communities. A state of alarm would facilitate faster deployment of resources and personnel, ensuring that the needs of citizens are met promptly.
TNE: There have been criticisms regarding the delay in the response and the role of local leadership, notably Carlos Mazón, the president of the Generalitat Valenciana. How do you perceive the interaction between local and central governments during such crises?
HV: The interaction is crucial. Local governments are generally more attuned to the immediate needs of their constituencies. However, when disasters strike, they often require additional support from the central government. It’s a delicate balance. In this situation, it seems there is frustration at the local level which could hinder effective relief efforts. A clear command and cooperation between different levels of government is essential for an efficient response.
TNE: You mentioned cooperation, but we also see confusion about the military’s role in the recovery efforts. Antonio Maíllo criticized the “ambiguous” contributions from the Army. What’s your perspective on military involvement in disaster relief?
HV: The military can be an invaluable resource in disaster situations, particularly in search and rescue or debris removal. However, their deployment needs to be well-defined and communicated. If troops are perceived as performing surveillance rather than active recovery operations, it leads to public discontent and confusion. Clear communication about their roles and responsibilities during such emergencies is vital to maintain public trust and ensure that the relief efforts are efficient.
TNE: There’s also a divergence in views among coalition members, particularly with Sumar’s stance being less assertive. How do differing opinions within a coalition impact the efficiency of government responses during emergencies?
HV: Political unity can significantly bolster an effective emergency response. Disagreements can slow decision-making processes and create ambiguity in communications, which can lead to delays in getting aid where it’s needed. In coalitions, it’s important to present a unified front, especially in crisis situations, to avoid sending mixed signals to the public and emergency responders.
TNE: What do you suggest as best practices for the government in handling this situation?
HV: First, they should declare the state of alarm if experts advise that it is necessary. Secondly, clear communication channels should be established — not just within the government but also with the public. They need to clearly outline the roles of military and civil responders and ensure that aid reaches those in need without delay. Engaging with local leaders to assess and meet specific community needs can also enhance their response efforts.
TNE: Insightful points, Dr. Vargas. Lastly, how can citizens assist in efforts like these during emergencies?
HV: Citizens can play an important role by staying informed, volunteering where possible, and supporting local relief efforts. They can also advocate for clear communication from their leaders about what is needed and how they can contribute. Community solidarity is key in times of crisis.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Vargas, for sharing your expertise and insights on this pressing topic. It’s crucial for communities and governments to work together harmoniously in times of need.
HV: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we all stay engaged and informed during such challenging times.
TNE: And to our listeners, that wraps up our interview for today. Stay informed and engaged, and join us next time for more discussions on the issues that matter.