2024-12-01 13:59:00
The president of Mercadona, Juan Roig, This Sunday, at the finish line of the Valencia Marathon, he criticized the political management carried out by the administrations in response too the DANA catastrophe, both for the “bad coordination” given in the response to the tragedy, and for the clashes which he regretted are verified among the main representatives of the different governments.
“The coordination of politicians was terrible”indicated in the subsequent press conference the entrepreneur and also president of the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation, in charge of organizing the race that passed through valencia this Sunday.
He thus underlined that the majority of people have a genuine interest in helping the recovery of the affected areas,”as has been demonstrated with the volunteers”,indicated Roig,citing as an example the thousands of people who contributed to the cleaning of the damaged municipalities,but he contrasted this attitude with the work carried out by political representatives.
In this sense, he criticized that to a “great natural misfortune” like this storm, “we have also added the clash between them” referring to the political leaders without specifying any of them, a clash which, he said, does not make the citizens want at this moment. “What we Valencians want is to get up and continue working,” said the entrepreneur.
“Less discussions and more doing”, launched the appeal Roig who launched a harsh appeal to the political representatives of the various administrations. Even if he did not mention them, the political battle between the Generalitat and the central government, the two main institutions involved in managing the emergency, enters the collective imagination.
What strategies can communities implement to improve resilience after natural disasters like the DANA catastrophe?
Interview: Juan Roig on Political Coordination and Community Resilience After the DANA Catastrophe
Date: December 1, 2024
Editor (Time.news): good afternoon, Juan. Thank you for joining us after such a notable event at the Valencia Marathon. Your comments on political management during the recent DANA catastrophe have sparked considerable discussion. Can you elaborate on your concerns regarding the coordination among political representatives?
Juan Roig: Good afternoon. Thank you for having me. My main concern is the terrible coordination exhibited by politicians in response to a devastating natural disaster.When the community needs cohesive support,we encountered significant clashes among different goverment representatives. This disunity not only hampers effective aid but also frustrates the citizens who are eager to recover and rebuild.
Editor: That’s a poignant point.You mentioned the overwhelming support from the community in cleaning efforts. How significant is this grassroots involvement in contrast to governmental actions?
Juan Roig: The spontaneous response from volunteers demonstrates genuine solidarity and resilience within our community. Thousands of individuals came together to help clean affected municipalities, showcasing the strength and unity of Valencians. This community spirit stands in stark contrast to the political discord that seems to overshadow the urgent needs for recovery. We need our leaders to emulate this cooperative attitude and prioritize effective action over political squabbles.
Editor: Your call for “less discussions and more doing” resonates with many. What practical steps can political leaders take to enhance coordination in disaster response?
Juan Roig: Frist and foremost,politicians need to prioritize collaboration.Establishing clear communication channels among all levels of government can prevent misunderstandings and delays in aid. Additionally, fostering partnerships with local organizations and businesses can create a rapid and organized response. They must listen to the needs of the affected communities and provide resources accordingly. Planning disaster drills and simulations can also prepare us for immediate action when tragedy strikes.
Editor: The tension between the Generalitat and the central government has been particularly highlighted during this crisis. How can this relationship be improved for future disasters?
Juan Roig: Improving communication and setting shared goals is crucial. Leaders should engage in regular dialog to build trust and work collaboratively, especially during emergencies. Creating joint task forces that involve all stakeholders, including local communities, can facilitate a more unified response. Ultimately, the focus should be on the well-being of our citizens rather than political agendas.
editor: As a leader in the business community and the president of the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation, how can business leaders support government efforts during crises?
Juan Roig: Businesses can play a vital role by offering resources, funding, and logistical support. Many companies have the infrastructure and workforce to assist in emergency responses that governments might lack. By stepping up and collaborating rather than waiting for directives, businesses can considerably enhance recovery efforts. I encourage other business leaders to actively engage with their local governments and communities, especially in times of need.
Editor: In closing, what message do you want to convey to the people of Valencia and the broader community concerning resilience after disasters?
Juan Roig: To the people of valencia, remain hopeful and continue to support one another. Your willingness to act and help rebuild is what will drive our recovery forward. To our leaders, I implore you to set aside differences, come together, and demonstrate the unity we need in challenging times. Let’s work collectively to ensure that we are better prepared for whatever comes our way.
Editor: Thank you, Juan, for your insights and for advocating for stronger community and political ties. Your compassion and leadership are vital in navigating these challenges.
Juan Roig: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we remember that together, we can overcome anything.