Good morning! Here’s your news update for Thursday, 29 May.
Happening Today: A general strike and mass demonstration will disrupt public services today. Expect reduced bus and metro service, limited hours in health centers, and some institutional closures. Follow @TransitValencia for real-time updates.
Weekend highlights will be out tomorrow!
Politics in Valencia
A seventh mass demonstration is expected today against President Carlos Mazón’s leadership. Protesters will gather at Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 7 p.m.
- Metro and bus services join the general strike — Las Provincias
- How hospitals and medical centers will operate during the strike — Valencia Extra
Meanwhile, a new Levante survey reveals widespread dissatisfaction over the government’s response to last October’s floods: Over 80% of respondents say Mazón should resign, and nearly 90% say he should not seek re-election
4 out of 5 citizens blame the Generalitat for DANA management — Levante
Despite a visit by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Valencia, relations between the national government and the regional Consell remain strained.
The government’s “quarantine” of the Consell after the floods — Valencia Plaza
Valencia’s budget has passed: The conservative PP and far-right Vox approved their 2025 budget in Les Corts, despite protests outside.
PP and Vox approve Generalitat budget after lengthy debate — Valencia Plaza
Flood Recovery
The federal government has unveiled a €530 million flood prevention plan focused on protecting vulnerable areas, especially L’Horta Sud.
Government’s flood plan includes home protections — Valencia Plaza
Crime and Policing
A dramatic anti-drug operation shook the Tres Forques neighborhood this week, involving helicopters and heavily armed police.
Police raid drug network with helicopters in Valencia — Las Provincias
Meanwhile, bike thefts continue to rise, especially targeting rental bikes.
- Inside the tricks and trade of Valencia’s bike thieves — Las Provincias
- How thieves use bolt cutters to break locks — Las Provincias
Housing Shortage
To address the housing crisis, the City Council plans to purchase a 134-apartment building in La Torre, one of the areas hardest hit by flooding.
Ayuntamiento to buy apartment block for public housing — El País
Changing City
Roig Arena is nearly complete, and the media were invited for a preview of the glitzy new complex. Major concerts are already being booked.
- Inside Valencia’s newest icon: Roig Arena — Las Provincias
- All upcoming concerts at the Roig Arena — Las Provincias
Valencia is also upgrading public play areas in Turia Park, with two new playgrounds inspired by Gulliver Park and renovating a 1,200 m² play area.
- Valencia renovates major Turia Park playground — Las Provincias
- New Gulliver-style playgrounds proposed near bus station — Las Provincias
Culture Corner
One of the historic warehouses in Parque Central will be transformed into a museum dedicated to Manuel Valdés, a prominent Valencian artist. Part of a plan to open three new museums, including one by the Marina.