a great demonstration in the streets of Valencia against the management of the crisis DANA It left a balance of four people arrested, thirteen identified and 31 National Police agents injured. This was reported by the Government delegate in the Valencian Community, Pilar Bernabé, at the end of a meeting of the Integrated Operational Coordination Center of the Valencian Community (Cecopi), in l’Eliana.
The Spanish Police Confederation (CEP) on its social networks detailed that the number of injured police officers After the demonstration it was raised to 39.
Bernabé explained that the demonstration was attended by more than 130,000 people, mobilized in a climate of “a society that is broken” in the face of the situation. “Despite that, it was a demonstration “mostly peaceful, where thousands of people expressed their pain,” commented the delegate, who considered that the incidents do not represent the nature of the event.
“We will not waste a minute on anything other than cleaning the streets, repairing sanitation and searching for those missing in this traumatic process.”
Meeting in Cecopi to coordinate the response
The authorities continue to work on policies and actions that help provide effective help to the victims. The streets of Valencia are still filled with mud, cars and tons of garbage. They have met to draw up a route.
At the CECOPI meeting this Sunday, in addition to Pilar Bernabé, the president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, the vice president of the Consell and councilor of Social Services, Equality and Housing, Susana Camarero, as well as the councilors Salomé Pradas (Justice and Interior) and Marciano Gómez (Health).
Among the attendees were also the Secretary of State for Territorial Policy, Arcadi España, and the general director of Civil Protection and Emergencies, Virginia Barcones. The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, returned to Madrid and will be relieved in Valencia by the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Crisis Management Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Isabel Moreno, an expert in crisis management and public policy. Dr. Moreno, thank you for joining us to discuss the recent demonstration in Valencia concerning the DANA crisis management.
Dr. Moreno: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I appreciate the opportunity to share insights.
Editor: The demonstration attracted over 130,000 participants and, while mostly peaceful, did result in some injuries and arrests. What do you think prompted such a large turnout?
Dr. Moreno: The scale of the demonstration reflects deep public frustration. When a community faces a crisis, especially one as devastating as DANA, emotions run high. People are looking for accountability and transparency from their leaders. The reference to a “broken society” speaks volumes about their feelings of inadequacy regarding the government’s response.
Editor: Indeed, the Government delegate, Pilar Bernabé, noted that despite the incidents, the demonstration largely represented a collective expression of pain. How significant is this distinction in a crisis environment?
Dr. Moreno: It’s crucial. Recognizing that the majority acted peacefully allows authorities to differentiate between genuine public concern and isolated disruptive behavior. This distinction not only shapes public perception but also guides how police and government respond in the future. It helps to build trust and shows that the government acknowledges the community’s suffering.
Editor: There were reports of injuries to National Police agents, which rose to 39 according to the Spanish Police Confederation. How should authorities navigate the balance between maintaining order and respecting citizens’ rights to protest?
Dr. Moreno: This is a delicate balance. Authorities need to ensure safety for all—both protesters and law enforcement. Effective communication and de-escalation strategies must be prioritized. It’s essential to foster a climate where citizens feel safe to express their grievances without fear of repression. The handling of such events can either heal or exacerbate societal tensions.
Editor: Following the demonstration, officials met at the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (Cecopi) to coordinate response efforts. In your opinion, what are the immediate priorities for local authorities in the aftermath of such a crisis?
Dr. Moreno: Immediate priorities include clearing debris, restoring basic services, and addressing public health concerns. The mention of mud, garbage, and damaged infrastructure indicates a pressing need for sanitary recovery. Equally important is continuing to search for those missing—human lives are at the center of this crisis. Engaging the community in these recovery efforts can also help to mend the social fabric.
Editor: It seems there’s a lot of work ahead. How can the government ensure that it remains in touch with the needs of the affected communities throughout the recovery process?
Dr. Moreno: Continuous communication is vital. Establishing forums for ongoing dialogue between citizens and officials can foster transparency and trust. Surveys, town hall meetings, and social media channels are effective tools to gauge public sentiment and adapt recovery efforts to community needs. It’s also important to involve local organizations and volunteers—they can offer valuable support and insights.
Editor: Dr. Moreno, thank you for your insights. The situation in Valencia is complex and challenging, and it’s clear that there’s still much to address in terms of recovery and community healing.
Dr. Moreno: Absolutely. It’s essential to learn from these crises to build more resilient communities in the future.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Moreno. We look forward to seeing how the situation evolves in Valencia and wish the community strength as they navigate this difficult time.