“Spain is part of the epicenter of climate change,” warns MP Alberto Ibañez Mezquita
What lessons have been learned from the disaster, in terms of adapting to climate change?
Alberto Ibañez Mezquita
Deputy Compromís-Sumar of Valencia
The fact that Carlos Mazon is still president of the Generalitat prevents this reflection from taking place. The Dana (meaning "cold drop" in Spanish, a meteorological episode marked by torrential rains) is not a random occurrence , but a direct consequence of the worsening climate change caused by capitalism. Mazon, who governs thanks to the far right, must go home, and the legislation concerning urban planning and land protection, which benefits speculation, must be changed.
"Pedro Sanchez continues to be very lenient towards the polluting fossil fuel industry."
In Valencia, more than anarchic urban planning, I would say there is a voracious capitalist urbanism whose priority is to build, build more, and always build. Currently, prices are very high and, as we saw with the disaster, the authorities gave free rein to build in the river ravines, near the beach, etc.
Some residents speak openly of corruption linked to urban planning policies…
Indeed, it's a major problem in Spain. A cartel of construction companies, which has existed for about fifty years and is a legacy of the Franco dictatorship . Whether the corruption originates within the Socialist Party or the People's Party, the beneficiaries are always the same.
That is why we demand that anti-corruption policies not only target politicians, but also corporations and entrepreneurs. We demand that legislation not allow a corrupt company—that is, one that buys politicians for its own gain—to build and hire again within the public administration.
Spain is on the front line in the face of floods, fires, and droughts. In your opinion, is Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez up to the task?
Although he is not directly responsible for the 237 deaths, as Mazon is, and although he has announced a package of measures to combat climate change, Pedro Sanchez continues to be very benevolent towards the polluting fossil fuel industry.
We asked the Socialist Party to finally understand that Spain, due to its Mediterranean location, is at the epicenter of climate change. This requires sustainable economic growth, obviously incorporating a class-based perspective so that this policy does not harm workers or become fodder for the far right.
One year later, is Valencia ready for another Dana?
Unfortunately, no. The Spanish government needs to invest more and urgently improve municipal protection policies, in collaboration with the Jucar Hydrographic Confederation and the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
Beyond Carlos Mazon's resignation, it is his political project that must disappear. We need much more protectionist public policies, more mindful of biodiversity and climate change, and better able to protect the population from future disasters. Others will occur. They will be increasingly violent.
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