Bon dia! Here is your news roundup for Thursday, 15 May. Weekend highlights coming tomorrow!
Politics in Valencia
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Valencia and met with victims of the devastating October floods. She said the tragedy should guide future EU preparedness policies.
Valencia Plaza: “This tragedy must guide our preparations”
Las Provincias: Von der Leyen shows support for flood victims in Valencia
The regional government has appointed Colonel Vicente León as the new Director General of Emergencies.
Valencia Plaza: Consell appoints Colonel Vicente León to lead emergency response
The judge investigating the October floods has rejected testimony from a journalist who dined with Generalitat President Carlos Mazón on the day of the disaster. Meanwhile, Valencia’s Minister of Interior, Elisa Núñez Pradas, has filed a formal complaint against the judge for her “categorical rulings” and alleged outside interference.
El País: Judge rejects testimony from journalist who dined with Mazón during flood
Valencia Plaza: Pradas calls for judge’s suspension
Four unions have called for a general strike across Valencia to protest the government’s flood response.
El Pais: Unions call general strike over flood response for 29 May
Flood Recovery
Nearly half of teenagers in flood-affected zones are still experiencing psychological trauma six months after the disaster.
Levante: Half of teens in flood zone suffer ongoing trauma
Valencia Plaza: 40% of young people in flood zone still have emotional scars
The government has split up a series of large infrastructure contracts to speed up rebuilding in flood-hit areas.
Levante: Government splits €6M flood rebuilding contracts
More than 22,000 irregular migrants affected by the floods have now been registered with authorities, allowing them to receive services.
El Pais: 22,000 migrants affected by flood now officially registered
Business and Economy
Valencia will not adopt Spain’s new law allowing bars and pubs to stay open until 4 am.
Valencia Plaza: Valencia rejects 4am pub closing law
Valencia is now the top choice for digital nomads in Spain, with one in five choosing to live here.
Las Provincias: One in five digital nomads in Spain choose Valencia
Changing City
Authorities have cleared over 55 homeless encampments from the Turia River Park.
Las Provincias: City removes 55 tents from Turia Park
The empty lot near the Botanical Garden will soon become the new Trini Simó Garden.
Las Provinicas: Valencia to create new 8,000m² urban garden
Plaza del Ayuntamiento’s pedestrian space will undergo a major redesign in phases.
Valencia Plaza: Valencia simplifies redesign of central plaza
One of Valencia’s busiest intersections, Plaza San Agustín, will undergo a major transformation with widened sidewalks, more trees, reduced traffic, and a new bike lane to create a more pedestrian-friendly city center.
Valencia Extra: Wider sidewalks, bike lanes, less traffic: the future of Valencia’s core
Plans are underway to bring Sorolla’s masterworks to Valencia in a blockbuster exhibition modeled after the Guggenheim effect in Bilbao or the Pompidou in Málaga, aiming to boost the city’s global art presence.
Levante-EMV: Sorolla project aims to transform Valencia into an international art hub
Valencia is calling for public input on how to use a large empty lot between Ruzafa and Monteolivete. A €500 prize will go to the winning idea.
Ayuntamiento: City offers €500 prize for ideas on empty Ruzafa-Monteolivete lot
A group of Ukrainian hoteliers who fled the war have opened a café in Plaza de la Reina.
Valencia Plaza: Ukrainian entrepreneurs start over in Valencia with new café
Crime and Corruption
Police have arrested two suspects—a contract killer and a known drug trafficker—believed to be involved in the triple homicide discovered last week in El Saler.
Las Provincias: Arrests in El Saler triple murder tied to drug trafficking
Residents near Parque Central have reported ongoing drug sales and violent altercations, raising alarm about safety in the recently developed park.
Las Provincias: Neighbors report fights, drug deals in Parque Central
Three people were stabbed in a knife fight in the Turia River Park.
Las Provincias: Three injured in Turia knife fight
Climate and Environment
Generalitat President Carlos Mazón visited the Cofrentes nuclear plant to support extending its life until alternatives are available.
Valencia Plaza: Mazón backs nuclear power extension at Cofrentes
El Pais: Mazón avoids nuclear replacement debate, joins business push for extension
Heavy rainfall in La Safor triggered flash flood alerts in Piles, while a dangerous sea spout was spotted off the coast of Oliva on Wednesday.
Las Provincias: Piles on alert after rain-swollen ravine threatens flooding
Las Provincias: Sea tornado looms near Oliva during storm
Valencia is launching a new school for shepherds to promote sustainable livestock farming.
El Pais: Valencia launches school for future shepherds