Week in News: More Protests and Eurovision Drama
Bon Dia! Here is your Monday news update.
Aemet is forecasting strong winds and rain in parts of Valencia today, with a slight drop in temperatures. Over the weekend, localized storms and hail affected parts of Valencia and Castellón, reports Las Provincias.
Regional Politics & Flood Aftermath
Another large protest calling for President Mazón’s resignation is planned for September 28 to mark 11 months since deadly floods killed more than 200 people. It is the longest-running political protest in Valencia’s history.
More reading in Spanish:
Protest march demanding Mazón’s resignation set for Sept 28 – El País
The judge at the Catarroja court is trying to pinpoint the breakdown in management that led to the delayed alert during the floods. Last week, Miguel Polo, head of the CHJ water authority, acknowledged in court that he knew of flood risks in advance, Valencia Plaza reports. He faced protests outside the courthouse.
Meanwhile, reports emerged of “phantom meters” at CHJ, according to Las Provincias, raising questions about whether the water authority revealed the true extent of the flooding. The judge has also demanded all video recordings of the emergency CECOPI meetings that day, writes Valencia Plaza.
Les Corts’ parliamentary commission into the floods remains stalled, notes Valencia Plaza, with only one more session scheduled and no victims invited to testify.
International & National Affairs
As Israel’s war in Gaza continues, Spain announced it would boycott the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, one of five EU countries to do so, El País notes. RTVE confirmed that the Benidorm Fest, Spain’s qualifying event, will go ahead in 2026, even if Spain withdraws from Eurovision.
In Valencia, the pro-Palestinian student sit-in at La Nau has ended after several days. Pressure mounted to clear the protests before King Felipe visits the university on September 30, reports Las Provincias.
More reading in Spanish:
Pro-Palestinian encampment at La Nau ends ahead of King’s visit – Las Provincias
Economy & Development
Valencia-based supermarket giant Mercadona continues its dominance in Spanish supermarkets, with four in ten households shopping there, writes Las Provincias, while its market share is rising to 27.1%.
More reading in Spanish:
Mercadona grows fastest among Spanish supermarkets in 2025 – Valencia Plaza
Meanwhile, Valencian shipping giant Boluda is expanding from maritime logistics into rail, Valencia Plaza reports. In a boost for farmers, Valencia’s CrowdFarming digital platform has acquired the French platform La Colmena que dice sí! to expand its direct-to-consumer food sales network across Europe, says Valencia Plaza.
City News
Manises council voted to reject the planned expansion of Valencia Airport, despite growing demand for flights, reports Levante-EMV. Meanwhile, frustrations are growing with ongoing roadworks in the city and narrowing sidewalks.
More reading in Spanish:
Endless street works leave sidewalks just half a meter wide in Valencia – Las Provincias
The city is also struggling to house unaccompanied migrant minors in public housing. Some have been temporarily housed in sports facilities. Las Provincias reports on the case of an Algerian teenager who spent the night in a detention center—not as a detainee, but for lack of space in other facilities.
Housing remains a hot issue: a new luxury high-rise in Burjassot is selling flats for up to €1.5 million, while demand for suburban rentals is skyrocketing. Experts warn Valencia faces a shortfall of 130,000 homes by 2030.
More reading in Spanish:
New skyscraper reshapes Valencia skyline – Las Provincias
Crime & Policing
Complaints continue over student hazing and late-night activities around Plaza Honduras near the university, according to Las Provincias.
A 63-year-old British woman was arrested in Benidorm after allegedly strangling her friend with a vacuum cleaner cable, reports Las Provincias.
Environment
The DANA flooding devastated Valencia’s environment. Rice farmers around the Albufera lagoon now warn of a crisis, saying they are losing money on every kilo of rice harvested, Las Provincias reports. Meanwhile, volunteers joined efforts this week to clean beaches as part of the “1m² Against the DANA” project.
More reading in Spanish:
Volunteers mobilize for post-flood beach cleanup – Levante-EMV
Weekend highlights are out on Thursday. In the meantime, the City Calendar is continuously updated with new events. Have a good week!
