Alex Trelinski
PRIME Minister Pedro Sanchez made his first visit to Valencia since November 3 when he was pelted with mud by Paiporta residents- angry with the poor government response to the floods
After 81 days without setting foot in the region, Sanchez on Thursday met with 28 mayors from flood-hit areas as well as social organisations and promised a big cash injection for restoring public buildings and facilities.
The meeting took place at the Government Delegation building in Valencia City.
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Sanchez announced afterwards that the government would totally pay for the reconstruction of municipal buildings and water supply infrastructures damaged by floods with a €2.2 billion budget.
Previously the figure had been a 50% subsidy.
That breaks down to funding 100 administrative centres, 45 nursery schools, 58 libraries, 55 sports centres, 40 day centres, plus 16 markets and fish markets accounting for €1.7 million.
The remaining €500 million goes to water supply, sanitation and purification infrastructures in all the affected municipalities.
“More has to be done, more must be done, and the government is doing everything unspeakable,” said Sanchez.
He also defended not visiting a town or village affected by the flooding, stating it wasn’t time for a photo opportunity and that many government ministers had come to the area.
Asked by journalists if he had plans to meet with Valencian president, Carlos Mazon, he responded that he would be ‘delighted’ to do so.
Reacting to the Sanchez visit, Mazon said: “The government once again does things late and badly.”
An extensive security operation swung into action outside the Government Delegation building.
A group of people shouted for Sanchez’s resignation and asked why he has not gone to some of the devastated towns.
A counter-demonstration supported him and demanded the removal instead of Valencian president, Carlos Mazon.
A fourth mass protest against Mazon has been arranged in Valencia for February 1.
