During their first visit on Sunday to Spain‘s flood-ravaged areas, king Felipe VI and senior government officials faced a hostile reception from survivors who threw mud at them in protest.
In Paiporta, one of the most severely affected areas with over 60 casualties and widespread devastation, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had to be evacuated when the situation became volatile.
Local police intervened to control dozens of protestors who brandished shovels and poles whilst shouting “Get out! Get out!” and “Killers!” amongst other verbal attacks. Someone from the crowd shouted, “We have lost everything!” Security personnel used umbrellas to shield the royals and officials from mud.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were hit in the face and clothes with mud as they tried to calm the angry crowd, news agency AFP reported.
Despite the hostility, King Felipe maintained composure and attempted to engage with residents. He consoled one person who appeared to cry on his shoulder and exchanged handshakes with another.
This unprecedented confrontation challenged the carefully maintained public image of the Spanish monarchy’s popularity.
The public’s frustration over the poor crisis management reached its peak on Sunday.
Tuesday’s floods claimed over 200 lives and destroyed thousands of homes. Paiporta, which suffered 60 fatalities, became a focal point of the disaster.
Public outrage intensified after the initial shock subsided, particularly regarding the delayed mobile phone alert that arrived two hours late as flood waters engulfed Paiporta.
The slow official response to the aftermath further angered residents. Local inhabitants and volunteers handled most of the clean-up of extensive mud and debris.
The royal party departed in official vehicles with mounted police escort after approximately 30 minutes of tension.