Technology Promises vs Knowledge Gaps in Valencia 2023
The electoral program on which the Partido Popular ran and won the 2023 regional elections, ending eight years of the Botànic administration, contained roughly sixty references to emergencies across the Valencian Community and six direct mentions of flood events, including those that struck the Valencia province. In light of the scale of the disaster and the performance of the regional government led by Mazón on October 29 and in the days after the DANA, it is clear that the proposals in the PP platform had not been implemented when more than a year of the legislature had already passed.
The promise about using technology contrasts with the questions directed at the knowledge of key officials. Two of the latest references to emergencies in the program clash with the reality seen on the ground. The first reads: “We will intensify the use of new technologies, primarily through mobile devices and apps, to provide timely information about pre-emergencies, emergencies and risks.” One of the main criticisms of the administration centers on the delay in alerting the public by mobile phone, with warnings arriving more than twenty hours after October 29. A few days later, remarks by Councillor Salomé Pradas admitting she did not know about the alert tool caused widespread astonishment. Pradas became a focal point of criticism, and all signs point to a forthcoming cabinet reshuffle announced by President Mazón.
The other notable reference to the emergencies issue states: “We will reduce the time to activate the permanent humanitarian and emergency actions committee to deliver a rapid and effective response.” Critics point to the late convening of the Operations Coordination Center, Cecopi, during the DANA crisis as it spread across Valencian municipalities. Reports have also highlighted that the Botànic previously called Cecopi 48 hours before the 2019 DANA that hit Vega Baja hardest.
Safer Spaces
Disaster-management experts note that the PP’s emergency proposals have seen little progress after more than a year in office. For example, the program promises a new law coordinating the security forces, a more efficient Ivaspe, and tougher training and selection of security and emergency personnel to make the Valencian municipalities safer. In a general policy debate held on September 18, Mazón announced a dedicated Ivaspe facility in the province of Alicante. During this legislature, when the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs was led by Vox, discussions occurred about Ivaspe training for local police, following a program on immigration and crime.
Continuing with Ivaspe, the PP program stated: “We will create the center for management and leadership in security and emergencies, aimed at training and research in the field of public security management, knowledge management and talent, best practices and leadership in security and emergency services.” In the same vein, the plan added: “We will develop the regulations of the Center for Research on Security and Emergencies, as a leading Spain and Europe hub for research in security and emergencies. Promoting transnational and interdisciplinary projects that enable knowledge transfer and address social challenges.”
In other sections the document refers to auditing emergency personnel, introducing new professional categories, and updating the 2013 Territorial Emergency Plan.