Leadership Downpour: Carlos Mazon Resigns Amid Valencia Flood Backlash

Carlos Mazon resigns as the leader of Spain's Valencia region due to backlash over his administration's handling of devastating floods that occurred a year ago. Criticism has grown since the catastrophe, which resulted in 229 deaths and extensive financial damage. Legal investigations into the response are underway.

In a significant political development, Carlos Mazon, leader of Spain's eastern Valencia region, announced his resignation on Monday. The decision follows intense criticism over his administration's response to catastrophic floods in October 2024, which led to 229 fatalities and more than billions in damages.

Residents have sharply criticized the regional government for issuing a flood alert too late, with many blaming delays for the high number of casualties. The disaster has been recorded as Europe's worst flood-related event since 1967, primarily affecting suburbs south of Valencia.

The timing of Mazon's resignation coincides with the testimony of journalist Maribel Vilaplana, who was with him during the incident, in an ongoing investigation into the authorities' potential criminal liability.

(With inputs from agencies.)