Podcast Summary: La Entrevista | La delegada del Gobierno en Valencia alaba que la Generalitat "ejerciese sus competencias" y confirma que Mazón no estuvo en la reunión de Emergencias

Podcast: Hoy por Hoy (SER Podcast)
Host: Àngels Barceló
Guest: Pilar Bernabé (Delegada del Gobierno en Valencia)
Date: 29 September 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth interview with Pilar Bernabé, the Spanish Government’s Delegate in Valencia, focused on the severe weather situation in the Valencian Community and Castellón. The discussion centers on emergency response procedures, the decisions surrounding citizen alerts, reflections on political responsibility, and the absence of the President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, from the recent Emergency Coordination meeting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Current Situation in Valencia and Castellón

[00:00–01:15]

• Pilar Bernabé describes an ongoing severe storm affecting Castellón and Valencia.
• The red alert initially set to end at 8:00 AM was extended until noon due to persistent heavy rain and storms.
• Despite some isolated rescues, "tampoco nada demasiado preocupante" ([00:41]), the main concern is the forecasted intensification of rainfall over Valencia’s metropolitan area.

2. Early Alert System Activation and Decision-Making

[01:15–02:29]

• The activation of "Es alert" (an emergency warning system on mobile phones) was discussed.
• Pilar Bernabé notes the Generalitat took this decision, in line with its responsibilities:
  • "Creo que fue una decisión que tomó la Generalitat ejerciendo sus competencias y su responsabilidad, que esta vez parece que sí que ha cumplido." ([01:56])
• The measure was broadly considered helpful, providing residents with the necessary time to prepare.

3. Lessons Learned from Previous Incidents

[02:29–03:26]

• Àngels Barceló points out that, while the alert level was similar to a previous episode 11 months prior, the response differed.
• Bernabé acknowledges an improvement:
  • "La Generalitat efectivamente ha ido modificando su actuación con respecto al 29 de octubre. [...] Las lecciones aprendidas desde luego siempre son muy útiles para mejorar." ([02:56])
• She implicitly criticizes earlier denial or inaction by local authorities.

4. President Mazón's Absence from Emergency Coordination

[03:26–04:24]

• Bernabé confirms that President Carlos Mazón was not at the Emergency Coordination meeting.
  • "No, no estaba." ([03:31])
• She notes that no excuses were given for his absence and that it is his responsibility to explain to the public.
• The absence is especially poignant given a recent tragedy: "Había miles de personas en la calle reclamando justicia y [...] la pérdida de 229 personas en la Ghana, en la Comunitat Valenciana." ([03:57])
• Bernabé underscores the need for politicians to be present in critical moments.

5. Should Mazón Have Abandoned a Party Event to Attend?

[04:24–05:33]

• Barceló asks if Mazón should have left the Partido Popular event in Murcia.
• Bernabé refrains from direct criticism but expresses her view:
  • "Yo desde luego creo que era un día para haberle demostrado a los valencianos que efectivamente las lecciones aprendidas son importantes y demostrar que el presidente de la Generalitat se pone al frente de las situaciones complicadas..." ([04:52])
• She pivots to focus on the immediate priority, which is managing the emergency, and working alongside the Conseller de Emergencias and other officials at the Coordination Center.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Generalitat’s emergency alert:
  "Creo que fue una decisión que tomó la Generalitat ejerciendo sus competencias y su responsabilidad, que esta vez parece que sí que ha cumplido."
  — Pilar Bernabé ([01:56])

• On lessons from the past:
  "Las lecciones aprendidas desde luego siempre son muy útiles para mejorar..."
  — Pilar Bernabé ([02:56])

• On political accountability during crises:
  "Creo que los políticos tenemos que estar a la altura y demostrarle a los ciudadanos que pueden confiar en nosotros y que vamos a estar siempre alerta y pendientes."
  — Pilar Bernabé ([04:11])

• On the President's absence:
  "Yo desde luego creo que era un día para haberle demostrado a los valencianos que efectivamente las lecciones aprendidas son importantes y demostrar que el presidente de la Generalitat se pone al frente de las situaciones complicadas..."
  — Pilar Bernabé ([04:52])

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00–01:15| Update on storm situation, red alert extension | | 01:15–02:29| Emergency alert decision and implementation | | 02:29–03:26| Comparison to past incidents, lessons learned | | 03:26–04:24| President’s absence, reflection on political responsibility | | 04:24–05:33| Should Mazón have attended, focus on working the emergency |

Summary & Tone

The episode maintains a serious, factual, and respectful tone, with direct but measured criticism of absent political leadership during emergencies. Pilar Bernabé focuses on the practical management of the crisis, acknowledgment of past mistakes, and the urgent need for clear, responsible governance. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency and political presence in moments of collective anxiety.