Spanish regional leader resigns after long lunch during deadly floods

Carlos Mazón, the regional head of Valencia, resigned after it was revealed that he was having a long lunch with a journalist while deadly floods claimed more than 230 lives. His actions sparked public outrage and accusations of negligence.

Source Financial Times

Mazón admitted he made mistakes, saying he “should have had the political foresight” to cancel his plans that day. However, he also blamed Spain’s central government for failing to provide adequate warnings and support during the disaster.

Authorities reportedly did not issue an emergency alert until after 8 p.m., by which time dozens had already died. The tragedy made Mazón the most senior Spanish official to step down over a natural disaster widely seen as mishandled.