The kings of Spain, Philip VI And Letiziavisited this Tuesday the localities located at ground zero of the worst DANA of the century, without the accompaniment of the President of the Government, Pedro Sanchezand the displays of affection, cheers and applause contrasted with those of 16 days ago. Then, with the socialist leader in the delegation that visited the Valencian town of Paiporta, neighbors scolded the authorities and even threw stones and mud at them.
The monarchs began their visit to ground zero of DANA on Tuesday, traveling to Chiva (Valencia). Around 11:40 a.m., they went to Gil Escartín Square, in the center of the city, where the town hall is located for the town affected by the cold weather on October 29.
The citizens of Chiva warmly welcomed the kings upon their arrival at the town hall square. Felipe and Letizia approached the citizens to shake their hands and greet them. The monarchs spoke calmly and with smiles to those gathered. Neighbors warmly welcomed the monarchs in front of the town hall of the Valencian city.
The monarchs walked the streets of the city and could be seen near neighbors. They were even able to chat peacefully with a lady who shook both of the King’s hands while speaking to him warmly. On the other hand, a little girl gave a paper with drawings directly to the Queen. Letizia thanked her by leaning down, listening to her and hugging her.
Subsequently, the kings moved to the area of the ravines, one of the most affected by the cold fall that devastated Valencia, and to another town in the province, Utiel. Later they traveled to Castilla-La Mancha to go to Letur (Albacete).
The President of the Generalitat Valenciana also came to visit the Valencian citizens in the company of the kings, Carlos Mazonand the Minister of Territorial Policy, although in a discreet context, and of Democratic Memory, the socialist Angel Victor Torres.
The visit to Paiporta with Sánchez
However, the situation was very different 16 days ago. So, just a few hours have passed since DANA devastated the province of Valencia on October 29. This visit also differed from the previous one in Sánchez’s absence. The socialist leader did not return to Valencia after his visit on November 3.
That day, the indignation of the neighbors led to mud and stones being thrown at them. The Valencians shouted “Sánchez and Mazón, resignation! and “murderers!” The President of the Government was evacuated by the state security forces and bodies at the start of the riots. However, Philip VI The visit continued and attempted to listen to citizens and calm them amid the tension. Queen Letizia, broken down and crying, tried to speak to them.
Ultimately the rest of the tour had to be canceled. The authorities were going to visit other municipalities affected by DANA, but they were only able to go to see more closely the work that was going to be carried out that day at CECOPI (Integrated Operational Coordination Center).
The exemplary reaction of the kings was criticized by Sánchez during the meeting between the monarchs and the president of the government at CECOPI. The socialist leader criticized Felipe VI for not having left the place with him: “Why didn’t you come with me? I won’t forgive you.”
“Sánchez, indignant, asked King Felipe VI why he had not accompanied him at the time of his retirement. And why did he stay there, leaving him at the height of the asphalt,” he maintains. Juan Luis Galiachodirector of elcierredigital.com. “The first thing Sánchez said to the king was: ‘Why didn’t you come with me? I won’t forgive you.. This is not done to the president of the government,” says the journalist in his media.
