Buenos días! ?? Here’s your Thursday news roundup. Weekend highlights will be out shortly!
Flood Recovery
The political blame game over the recent flood disaster continues between the Generalitat, led by Carlos Mazón, and the CHJ (Confederación Hidrográfica del Júcar), which operates under the Spanish government. The Generalitat claims it received no warning from the CHJ during the critical early hours of the flood, citing leaked audio published in Las Provincias: ? Las Provincias – Leaked Audio
However, Valencia Plaza and El País dispute this version, with CHJ arguing that the audio was taken out of context: ? Valencia Plaza – Counterclaims
? El País – Full CHJ Response
Meanwhile, Gan Pampols, the coordinator for flood recovery, has been revealed as the highest-paid civil servant in the Generalitat: ? El País – Salaries
Local mayors affected by the floods pressed parliament members in Madrid for more financial support: ? Valencia Plaza – Mayors Demand Aid
Factory Bonaire outlet mall, which suffered severe flood damage, will partially reopen on Thursday, February 6: ? Las Provincias – Reopening Plans
Political Investigations
El País has published an investigation into allegations of corruption involving a businessman with close ties to President Mazón: ? El País – Corruption Allegations
Meanwhile, Mazón’s government is reviewing subsidies to unions, arguing that funding organizations that “insult” the president may be “incompatible” with receiving public funds: ? Levante – Union Subsidies Under Review
Fallas Preparations
Valencia is gearing up for an extraordinary Fallas this year, featuring the largest mascletà in history, with fireworks displays coordinated across nine municipalities: ? Levante – Fallas Fireworks
? À Punt – Coordinated Displays
The city council is also continuing its push for a more sustainable Fallas, introducing awards for the most environmentally friendly creations: ? Valencia.es – Sustainable Fallas
City Development
Property developers are shifting their focus to northern Valencia, avoiding flood-prone areas: ? Las Provincias – Northward Shift
The government has lifted some restrictions on rural construction, raising concerns about urban expansion: ? El País – Rural Development
? À Punt – Policy Changes
Rental prices continue to rise across the Valencia metropolitan area: ? Las Provincias – Rent Hikes
In the Cabanyal district, developers are still searching for investors to build much-needed parking facilities: ? Las Provincias – Parking Shortage
Meanwhile, a major restaurant shake-up is happening along the beachfront, with the owner of Marina Beach Club acquiring La Marcelina: ? Valencia Plaza – Restaurant Takeover
Pedestrian-friendly initiatives continue, with new zones planned in Extramurs and Algiers: ? 7 Televalencia – New Pedestrian Zones
The Natural Science Museum will close for three months for renovations: ? Valencia.es – Museum Closure
New protocols have been introduced at Mercado Central to regulate large tour groups: ? 7 Televalencia – Market Protocols
Unexploded Ordnance Discovered
Two grenades were found in Valencia within 24 hours—one believed to be a relic from the Civil War: ? Las Provincias – Explosive Discovery
Music and Film News
Several Valencian films have been nominated for the Goya Awards, set to take place this weekend in Granada: ? Valencia.es – Goya Nominees
Renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel thrilled audiences earlier this week with a charity concert in support of flood recovery, 7 Televalencia reports. ? Read more
Meanwhile, Sevillian artist Melody won Benidorm Fest and will represent Spain at Eurovision with her song Esa Diva, according to 7 Televalencia. ? Read more
That’s all for now! Have a great week! ?
