Good morning! Here is your update for 1 May. Please note that businesses and schools are closed today. Expect traffic disruptions in the city center due to three union-led marches starting at 11 a.m. from Plaza San Agustín.
Nationwide Blackout
Power has been fully restored across Valencia following Monday’s historic blackout, but the cause remains unclear. Early reports point to a possible failure involving solar power input to the national grid.
Valencia Extra – Possible Causes
Red Eléctrica chief Beatriz Corredor has ruled out renewable energy as a factor and rejected calls for her resignation.
El País – No Link to Renewables
The blackout triggered emergency protocols at local hospitals, and tragically, a woman reliant on a respirator died in Alzira.
El Español – Impact on Hospitals
El País – Death in Alzira
Water supply was nearly compromised: Emivasa warned that Valencia’s La Presa treatment plant was down to a single generator, which could have left the city without potable water. A backup generator was rushed in.
Levante – Water Emergency
Authorities responded more swiftly than during the October 29 floods, ceding control to the federal government early on.
Valencia Plaza – Crisis Response Comparison
May Day Marches
Today’s Labour Day demonstrations include three separate marches across Valencia city center. All begin at 11:00 a.m. from Plaza San Agustín.
Las Provincias – March Details
Politics in Valencia
The European People’s Party (PPE) congress opened in Valencia despite blackout-related disruptions on its first day. Over 1,000 protesters gathered outside, calling for the resignation of President Carlos Mazón, who skipped the opening to lead emergency meetings.
Valencia Plaza – Blackout Disrupts Congress
El País – Protesters Call Out PPE Support for Mazón
Levante – Mazón’s Low-Key Appearance
Housing Shortage
Valencia has passed a new regulation to limit tourist apartments as part of efforts to address the housing shortage.
À Punt – New Law Passed
In Patraix, residents successfully blocked a proposed tourist housing project in their building.
Valencia Extra – Patraix Residents Win
Crime and Corruption
Police have foiled a kidnapping and robbery plot in Villajoyosa, allegedly orchestrated from the UK and rooted in a love triangle.
Las Provincias – Love Triangle Plot
Climate and Environment
Mayor María José Catalá is seeking EU support to declare the Albufera lagoon a protected Biosphere Reserve.
Levante – Albufera Protection Plan
Meanwhile, the Oceanographic has successfully rescued and released a critically endangered Spiny Butterfly Ray that was accidentally caught in a fisherman’s net.
Levante – Ray Recovery