Memorial Service Held in Valencia for Flood Victims

The King and Queen of Spain presided over a ceremony in Valencia, attended by high-ranking Spanish politicians and hundreds of relatives of deceased flood victims. The government was represented by several ministers, but Spanish President Pedro Sánchez was notably absent. The Archbishopric organized the funeral, which saw 400 relatives in attendance, given a space in the cathedral hours before the ceremony. Mayors from affected municipalities were also invited, including the president of the Valencian Community. However, the event was not without controversy as some criticized politicians for using the funeral to improve their image. Amid tight security, some relatives shouted against politicians outside the cathedral. The service, led by the Archbishop of Valencia, included parish priests, Valencian bishops, and the Episcopal Council. The King and Queen offered condolences to the families of the victims after listening to the hymn of the Virgen de los Desamparados. The tragic floods in October resulted in over 200 deaths and widespread destruction. The ceremony was a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster, but also highlighted tensions between politicians and grieving families. The King and Queen’s presence emphasized the importance of unity and support in the face of such a devastating event.

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