The Valencian government is currently facing a barrage of criticism on multiple fronts, from its education policies to its handling of the recent DANA disaster and its ongoing fiscal disputes with the central government. These controversies are creating a challenging political environment for the ruling coalition.
Language Policy Under Fire
One of the most contentious issues is the Mazón government's initiative to, as critics say, 'desvalencianize' schools. This involves allowing 570,000 families to vote on the language of instruction for their children. The move has been met with strong opposition from political rivals, parents, and public education teachers, who fear it will undermine the Valencian language and culture. The long-term impact of this policy remains to be seen, but it has already sparked significant debate and division within the community.
“This is nothing more than an attack on our cultural identity,” stated a representative from a local teachers' union, highlighting the deep-seated concerns surrounding the language policy.
DANA Response Scrutinized
The government's handling of the recent DANA (isolated high-level depression) has also come under intense scrutiny. Reports indicate that Iberdrola, a major electricity provider, sent out its emergency message at 16:30 on the day of the DANA, almost four hours before the Generalitat took action. This raises questions about the government's preparedness and response time during the crisis. Adding fuel to the fire, the Valencian government has contradicted President Mazón’s earlier claims about his presence at Cecopi (Emergency Coordination Center) during the critical hours of the alert.
Furthermore, President Mazón's attempts to defend his administration's response through social media have backfired, with critics pointing out inconsistencies in his narrative. The minute-by-minute timeline of events on October 29th has further exposed these contradictions, providing legal protection to Mazón but simultaneously weakening his political standing.
Fiscal Disputes Escalate
Adding to the government's woes, Finance Minister Ruth Merino has fiercely criticized the central government's proposed fiscal reduction, calling it a "swindle" and an "insult" to the Valencian Community. Merino argues that the proposed measures are inadequate to address the region's financial challenges, describing them as a mere "band-aid" for a community that is "hemorrhaging." This strong stance sets the stage for a contentious meeting of the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council, where the Valencian government is expected to oppose the proposed changes.
The combination of these controversies is creating a challenging political climate for the Valencian government. Whether it can successfully navigate these challenges remains to be seen, but the coming months will undoubtedly be crucial in shaping the region's future.
Engineers are now calling for more hydraulic works, in response to the flooding, to better manage any future crisis.