Spain Grapples with Valencia Floods: Government Urged to Act
In the wake of devastating floods in Valencia, which have claimed hundreds of lives, Spanish Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo emphasized the need for timely relief rather than assigning blame. Speaking with Euronews, Cuerpo described the government’s commitment to provide assistance to those affected, stating, “Spain will do ‘whatever it takes’ to help.”
The catastrophe has sparked widespread public outcry, with tens of thousands protesting against the perceived inadequacies of the government’s response, demanding the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón. As anger and frustration swell among the local population, many are criticizing the state’s delayed and mismanaged response.
Cuerpo acknowledged the community’s sentiments, reinforcing that the current focus should be on immediate support. He declared, “There will be time for us to assign responsibilities” but insisted that the priority remains rapid response and recovery efforts.
While the full economic impact of the disaster is yet to be assessed, Cuerpo noted that the affected area contributes around 1% to Spain’s GDP, hinting at a potentially “devastating” effect on local business. He also shared plans to secure EU funding for agricultural and regional aid, as well as post-COVID economic recovery initiatives. Having recently assumed the role of Minister for Economy, Trade, and Enterprise, Cuerpo expressed optimism, reporting “very good feedback” from EU Commissioners regarding his requests for assistance.
As Spain continues to navigate this crisis, the full interview will be released later this week, shedding further light on the government’s ongoing response and recovery strategies.
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Photo credit www.euronews.com
