Good morning! Here is your news update for Monday, 26 May.
Politics in Valencia
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has agreed to hold a state funeral in October for flood disaster victims. The decision followed a three-hour meeting with victims’ families last Thursday, during which he accepted all of their demands. It was his first meeting with flood survivors since the disaster struck seven months ago.
State funeral for DANA victims to be held in October — Las Provincias
Sánchez fills his first meeting with victims with promises, seven months after the flood — Valencia Plaza
A seventh demonstration against President Carlos Mazón’s leadership over the handling of the disaster is planned for Thursday, 29 May, coinciding with a general strike. Organizers say the march will honor workers who died in the flooding — some trapped in their vehicles while rushing home.
Seventh protest against Mazón will demand truth, marking seven months since the flood — El País
The Spanish government has linked Russian disinformation campaigns to the October flood disaster. The report predates the recent national blackout and does not address disinformation related to that event.
National security report links Russian disinformation to the flood disaster — El País
As budget negotiations continue, far-right party Vox has presented a list of demands to the ruling Partido Popular, including removing references to climate change and gender equality. Meanwhile, the party has reorganized after a high-profile resignation amid investigations by the anti-fraud office.
Vox pushes cultural war demands in budget negotiations — Valencia Plaza
Nàquera mayor becomes Vox VP, amid anti-fraud investigations — Valencia Plaza
Valencia Activa shuttered in shadow of corruption allegations — El País
Blackout Investigation
The cause of the nationwide blackout remains unresolved. Investigators have traced the trigger to a Granada power station. A report in The Telegraph suggests it may have been a renewable energy stress test — an allegation Spanish officials deny. Meanwhile, Valencia’s Cortes-La Muela hydroelectric plant played a critical role in restoring power.
Spain’s blackout story is unraveling — The Telegraph
Inside the Valencia hydroelectric plant that helped restart Spain — Valencia Plaza
Homelessness Response
Valencia authorities are stepping up patrols in the Turia in response to a rise in homeless encampments and a series of alarming incidents, including petty theft, a stabbing, and the unexplained death of a young homeless man awaiting social housing.
Man arrested for stealing e-scooter in the Turia park — Las Provincias
Tourist attacked with a knife in Turia gardens — Las Provincias
Young homeless migrant dies in Turia while waiting for housing — Levante
The shanty town inside the former Formula One circuit near the Marina has also grown with a mix of migrants, seasonal workers, scrap collectors, and some displaced by the October floods.
Living on the F1 Circuit: “We have our own lives here” — Levante
Sports News
Valencia’s Levante football team has been promoted to Spain’s First Division after winning against Burgos on Sunday night. The team returned to Valencia early Monday morning, welcomed by hundreds of jubilant fans.
Levante is back in the First Division — Levante
Animal Welfare
A car owner near the Botanical Garden was shocked to discover a venomous snake in his car. Firefighters and animal welfare officers spent over two hours dismantling the vehicle to safely remove the animal. The car had been parked in a garage for over a week.
Three-meter snake found inside car engine in Valencia — Las Provincias
Culture Corner
A lace mantilla by a Benimaclet textile firm worn by royalty has gained international attention.
Santos Textil, the designer behind Queen Letizia’s lace mantilla at papal inauguration — Las Provincias
A feature on the charmed childhood of two brothers who grew up inside the Mercado Central, where their father was the market’s manager. They share memories of a neighborhood that has since transformed.
Boro and Pepe, the brothers who lived 30 years inside the Mercado Central — Valencia Plaza