Bon dia! Here is your community news update for Monday, 30 June.
Housekeeping note: I’ll be traveling in July, but Pont de Valencia will continue thanks to help from community volunteers. Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer!
Weather Alert
Spain — and much of Europe — is in the grip of a dangerous heatwave, with parts of Valencia forecast to reach 40°C. Authorities urge residents to stay in shaded or air-conditioned spaces and hydrate frequently.
Aemet raises the warning level on heat in Valencia – Las Provincias
First major heatwave of the summer arrives in Valencia – Levante-EMV
Politics in Valencia
This weekend brought both celebration and protest. Thousands took part in Valencia’s Pride Parade under the theme “Now more than ever,” defending LGBTQ+ rights.
Valencia Pride demands equality and visibility amid rise in hate speech – Valencia Extra
On Sunday, Plaza del Ayuntamiento hosted the 8th monthly protest demanding the resignation of President Carlos Mazón over his handling of the October flood disaster—the longest-running protest in Valencia today.
Eighth protest against Mazón over the floods draws 5,000 to the streets – El País
New testimony in the Catarroja court case revealed that ravines began to flood two hours before emergency alerts were issued.
Emergency tech testifies ravines flooded two hours before alert – El País
Meanwhile, Mazón’s political standing may be improving due to the corruption scandal surrounding the Socialist Party and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Mazón’s position strengthens as PP pauses leadership changes amid PSOE scandal – Valencia Plaza
Flood Recovery
Metro service has resumed in the hardest-hit areas of Horta Sud, after weeks of delays.
Metro returns to flood zone after water delays – Las Provincias
The city and the University of Valencia are launching a campaign to educate residents on emergency response, particularly for floods and severe weather.
Plan launched to teach citizens to stay home during red alerts – El País
Valencia’s regional government is also considering a floodable greenbelt linking Turia Park to Albufera, including new flood-control parks.
Regional government plans giant park to absorb future floods – Las Provincias
Turia and Poyo ravines to get flood-resistant parks – Valencia Extra
Changing City and Development
Starting today, Avenida Pérez Galdós–Giorgeta begins a major roadworks project lasting through September. Expect detours and traffic changes.
City begins Pérez Galdós–Giorgeta construction project – Valencia.es
Detours now in effect for Pérez Galdós overhaul – Official project site
EMT Valencia has announced the C-99 “super line”—a circular bus line connecting major hospitals.
New EMT circular line to link Valencia hospitals – Las Provincias
Valencia launches new C-99 bus line – Levante-EMV
Public feedback for the 2025/26 city budget broke records, with strong demand for public transport, green space, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Valencians call for more transport and green space in city budget – Valencia Extra
Meanwhile, 60% of city streets now have a speed limit of 30 km/h.
Map shows how Valencia has slowed down – Las Provincias
President Mazón announced €700 million in health infrastructure, while the city pushes to revamp the marina.
Generalitat announces €700M for hospitals in Campanar and Paterna – Valencia Plaza
Valencia to develop a 21st-century marina – Las Provincias
Housing Crisis
The cost of renting a single room in Valencia has risen more than four times the rate of inflation.
Room rentals in Valencia skyrocket beyond inflation – Levante-EMV
At the same time, foreign investment funds are buying up large numbers of apartments, often at below-market prices.
Investor funds buy entire buildings in Valencia – Levante-EMV
How investment funds can buy flats at half price in Valencia – Las Provincias
Crime and Policing
A mother and her 3-year-old son were murdered in Algemesí, the latest tragic case of gender-based violence in the region.
Algemesí attacker stabbed partner and strangled child – Las Provincias
Victim in Algemesí told family: ‘If I leave, he’ll kill me’ – Las Provincias
A patient at La Fe hospital started a fire in the psychiatric ward, killing another patient and injuring 8 staff.
Fire breaks out in psychiatric ward at La Fe Hospital – Las Provincias
One dead, eight injured in La Fe fire started by patient – El País
A former police inspector is on trial for hate speech, after linking crime to immigration at a far-right Vox rally.
Ex-police official defends speech linking crime and immigration – El País
Fewer people attended this year’s San Juan bonfire festival, but sexual assault cases rose — especially near the university and the beach.
San Juan sees fewer attendees but more incidents – Levante-EMV
Teen found unconscious and half-naked after beach assault – Las Provincias
Minor raped on the beach during San Juan festivities – Levante-EMV
Economy
Valencian exports fell by 8%, blamed on uncertainty surrounding global trade and U.S. policy under Donald Trump. Tensions in Iran also raised fears of shipping disruptions.
Valencian exports fall amid “Trump Effect” and global uncertainty – Las Provincias
Exports continue to fall as eyes turn to Iran crisis – Valencia Plaza
The Generalitat is facing a liquidity crisis due to budget delays. Pharmacy payments have already been postponed, and now medical and senior care facilities are worried they’ll be next.
Mazón improvises spending controls amid Generalitat’s third-worst deficit – Valencia Plaza
Senior care facilities raise alarm over delayed payments – Valencia Plaza
In Other News
A Civil War-era bomb was discovered and safely defused at the Port of Valencia. The Italian-made Howitzer contained four kilos of TNT.
Navy defuses 4kg Civil War bomb found in Valencia Port – Levante-EMV
The Gran Feria de València begins Tuesday, July 1, with fireworks, music, and an aerial concert featuring a piano suspended over Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Full program for Valencia’s 2025 Summer Festival – Valencia Extra
