Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez assured today that the “political debate” over possible responsibilities for the mismanagement of the deadly October 29 floods will take place after the reconstruction, for which he announced today almost 3.8 billion euros in new aid.

The day before yesterday, Saturday, around 130,000 people took part in a demonstration in Valencia calling for the resignation of the president of the regional government, Carlos Mathon, while criticizing Spain’s central government’s handling of the disaster.

“The government is doing what it has to do. And what we have to do is rebuild (the region) after this tragedy and restart economic and social activity,” the head of the socialist government told a news conference today.

“Later, the political debate will be about all the things that need to be improved in the face of this climate emergency and, without any doubt, the assumption of political responsibilities which, of course, should be documented,” he continued.

“The lesson we must learn is that we are facing a climate emergency that will demand the best of each of us,” added Pedro Sanchez, calling for us to “listen to the science and learn lessons” and to “strengthen public services to provide an effective and just response to natural disasters”.

After the deadly floods that claimed the lives of 222 people according to the latest tally released by the government, the criticism of the flood victims is particularly aimed at the head of the regional government, Carlos Mathon, who is accused of being slow to react even though the Spanish meteorological service ( Aemet) had issued a red alert since the morning of October 29.

In Spain, the management of natural disasters is the responsibility of the regional governments, but the central government is responsible for issuing warnings through Aemet, can provide resources and takes the reins in extreme conditions.

Protesters did not spare the prime minister on Saturday night in Valencia.

Sanchez and Mathon were alongside King Felipe VI and his wife Letitia during their visit to the affected area on November 3, during which they were the target of insults and mud hurled at them by angry residents.

Carlos Mathon, who has ruled out resigning, will appear in Valencia’s regional parliament on Thursday to explain his handling of the disaster.

“I think we have to admit that mistakes were made without a doubt, we have to do it with all humility,” he admitted today at a press conference.

“We will start talking about politics, about explanations (…) from Thursday, he promised.

Regarding reconstruction and aid to flood victims, 100 new measures, totaling almost €3.8 billion, were approved by the cabinet today.

A previous package of measures of 10.6 billion euros was presented last week by the prime minister.