• Carlos Mazon resigns over handling of catastrophic floods that killed over 230 people in Valencia.
• Resignation follows months of public protests and mounting pressure from victims' families.
• Mazon admits to mistakes, notably delaying emergency alerts and his absence during critical times.

Carlos Mazon, the head of Spain's Valencia region, announced his resignation on November 3, 2025, due to escalating public outcry over his administration's response to the devastating floods that occurred on October 29, 2024, leading to over 230 fatalities and extensive damages. Mazon stated, "I can't go on anymore," acknowledging the “mistakes” in handling the crisis, which has been described as the most severe natural disaster in Europe for decades, according to Reuters, Le Monde, BBC, and Los Angeles Times.

The floods prompted widespread criticism on Mazon's delayed warnings to residents. Reports indicate that his government issued emergency alerts to mobile phones when flooding was already wreaking havoc. Mazon spent hours during the crisis at lunch, which led to significant public anger, particularly from victims' families who confronted him at a memorial service, voicing their disdain and calling him a "murderer." The emotional burden, described as “unbearable” by Mazon, ultimately led to his decision to resign, reflecting the intense scrutiny on his administration's effectiveness, according to Reuters, Le Monde, BBC, and Los Angeles Times.

Mazon's tenure was marked by disastrous events leading to serious scrutiny over the state of emergency management in Valencia. Despite attempts to shift blame to the national government for inadequate support during the floods, regional leaders are primarily responsible for civil protection. This response uncertainty undermined public trust and left many questioning the capability of his government, which resulted in demonstrations, including one with over 50,000 attendees demanding his resignation shortly before the one-year memorial of the floods, according to Reuters, Le Monde, BBC, and Los Angeles Times.