Bon dia! Here is your news update for Monday, 2 June.
Politics in Valencia
Public anger over the Generalitat’s flood response is shifting political attitudes to the left, according to a new Levante survey.
Survey: The handling of DANA triggers a political shift – Levante
Protests continue against President Carlos Mazón’s flood response, with a general strike and mass demonstration held last Thursday.
Seventh demonstration against Mazón’s DANA handling – Valencia Plaza
The ruling coalition of the conservative Partido Popular and far-right Vox has approved cuts to Valencian language programs while granting €600,000 to a controversial bullfighting foundation in Madrid.
€600,000 for bullfighting with cuts to Valencian language – El País
Meanwhile, publishers warn that Valenciano is declining among the region’s youth.
Bromera editors: “Castilian is eating away at Valencian-language youth literature.” – El País
Economics and Finance
President Mazón says Valencia is facing a “liquidity collapse” due to delays in central government payments and plans to join a protest against Prime Minister Sánchez on June 8.
Mazón plans to attend the demonstration against Sánchez in Madrid – El País
The socialist opposition claims the Sánchez government has already advanced nearly €1 billion this year to help Valencia pay its bills.
Morant accuses Mazón of “lying and hiding” a billion in funds – El País
Despite financial tension at the top, a new survey shows residents are feeling relatively good about the local economy.
Valencians rate the local economy 14 points higher than the rest of Spain – Valencia Plaza
Yet salaries in Valencia remain lower than the national average—by about €200 a month.
Valencians’ salaries are €200 less per month than the national average – Valencia Plaza
Crime and Policing
The court has closed the investigation into the Campanar fire that killed 10 people, ruling it an accident caused by a kitchen electrical fault. The building’s flammable cladding, while controversial, met legal standards.
Campanar fire investigation dismissed – El País
A 16-year-old boy died after falling from a 4-meter-high wall near the Veles e Vents building in the Marina. Police are investigating.
Minor dies in Marina fall – Las Provincias
The Guardia Civil, in cooperation with Romanian authorities, dismantled a “Copper Mafia” responsible for stealing €2.5 million worth of metal from solar farms and water plants.
Police bust €2.5 million copper theft ring – El País
A drug ring operating between La Malvarrosa and Vilamarxant was shut down, with 112 bags of cocaine, 80 bags of heroin, weapons, and €10,000 in cash seized.
Anti-drug operation in La Malvarrosa and Vilamarxant – Las Provincias
Housing Shortage
A housing expert at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) warns that the city’s housing crisis could lead to the growth of informal settlements.
Head of UPV warns of increase in slums – Valencia Plaza
Changing City
Valencia City Council has approved plans for a new public garden in Montolivet, following a community call for ideas to transform an empty lot.
New garden project approved – Ayuntamiento de Valencia
Luxury eco-homes with self-sufficient energy systems are in high demand from foreign buyers following last month’s national blackout.
Foreigners buying luxury eco homes – Las Provincias
Climate and Environment
A new zoning plan will expand protected areas in and around the Albufera lagoon, a vital wetland ecosystem south of Valencia.
New Albufera plan will extend protected area – Las Provincias
Culture Corner
Winners of Valencia’s Pizza Fest have been crowned:
- People’s Choice: Mamma Pazzo’s Parma e Sole (Parma ham, stracciatella, lime zest)
- Best Neapolitan Style: Casa d’Aragona
The best pizzas from the Mahou Pizza Fest – Valencia Extra
Meet Babacar Tandine, founder of Moova Club and a fixture at Jagger Club. Born in Spain to Senegalese parents, Baba brings Afro-diasporic rhythms and community energy to Valencia nightlife.
Baba’s “Moovamiento” is demonstrated through dancing – Valencia Plaza
Artists are using murals to heal and inspire in neighborhoods devastated by last year’s floods.
The emotional urban art that’s rebuilding after the DANA – Valencia Plaza
