Podcast Summary

Podcast: Hoy por Hoy

Host: Àngels Barceló
Episode: La firma de Àngels Barceló | Sin justicia, la herida de la DANA seguirá abierta durante mucho tiempo
Date: October 29, 2025

Overview

This episode of "Hoy por Hoy," led by Àngels Barceló, marks the first anniversary of the catastrophic DANA that struck the region of Valencia, causing the loss of 229 lives and upending thousands of families. Broadcasting from the Teatro La Rambleta in Valencia, Barceló delivers a deeply personal and critical reflection on the events of that tragic day, emphasizing the lack of accountability by political leaders, especially the president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón. The main theme is the demand for justice, recognition, and genuine repair for the affected communities—pointing out that without these, the region's wounds will remain open for years to come.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Tragedy's Anniversary

• Barceló begins by recalling the atmosphere exactly one year ago when forecasts warned of unprecedented rain, and a collective sense of dread mixed with resignation among Valencians.
• She invokes Raymond’s phrase, "la lluvia no sabe llover," to highlight the destructive unpredictability of the storms in Spain.

2. The Scale of Loss

• The tragedy is humanized with the grim statistic: 229 lives lost and countless families still grappling with traumatic memories.
• Barceló describes personal stories—people leaving workplaces, rushing to pick up children from school, attempting to save their cars and livelihoods, and the helplessness during the deluge.

3. Failure of Leadership

• The heart of the reflection is a scathing critique of President Carlos Mazón:
  • Inaction and Absence: Barceló questions Mazón’s whereabouts and response during the disaster, suggesting he was disconnected from the pain and responsibilities he owed to his constituents.
  • Avoidance of Accountability: She points out Mazón's use of "lies to elude any responsibility" and his disrespect for the very people he governs.
  • Cites the ongoing judicial investigation, referencing “el auto de la jueza que lleva el caso.”

4. The Need for Justice and Political Will

• Barceló calls for political recognition of the tragedy, accountability, and reparation.
• Emphasizes that without justice and a genuine commitment to repair, the emotional and social wounds will remain open in communities such as L’Horta Sud and Valencia as a whole.

5. Commitment to the Community

• The segment closes with Barceló promising continuous support and presence for the affected regions and families.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Àngels Barceló [00:33]:
  "Ha pasado un año desde entonces y hoy queríamos estar con vosotros aquí, en el teatro da la Rambleta da Valencia, porque queríamos deciros, y os lo queríamos decir directamente, mirándoos a los ojos, que no ha pasado ni un solo día desde entonces en el que no hayamos intentado explicar y explicarnos qué fue lo que pasó."
  (We wanted to be here today, looking you in the eye, to say that not a single day has passed without trying to explain and understand what happened.)

• Àngels Barceló [01:42]:
  "¿Cómo puede seguir ocupando el lugar que ocupa alguien que ha utilizado la mentira para eludir cualquier responsabilidad? ¿Alguien que desprecia a la gente para la que gobierna? ¿Qué tipo de persona hay que ser para seguir el cargo sabiendo que otra gestión de la tragedia hubiera podido salvar vidas?"
  (How can someone stay in power having used lies to avoid responsibility? Someone who disregards the people he governs? What kind of person holds onto power knowing that another handling of the tragedy could have saved lives?)

• Àngels Barceló [02:30]:
  "Sé que nunca se va a cerrar esta herida que atraviesa Lorta Sud à Valencia. Pero sé también que sin la voluntad política del reconocimiento y la reparación y sin que se haga justicia, esa herida seguirá abierta durante mucho tiempo."
  (I know this wound that cuts through L’Horta Sud and Valencia will never close. But I also know that without political will for recognition, reparation, and justice, this wound will remain open for a very long time.)

• Àngels Barceló [02:56]:
  "Tened la confianza en que nosotros vamos a pelear a vuestro lado. Aquí vamos a estar."
  (Trust that we will fight by your side. We’re going to be here.)

Important Timestamps

• 00:03 – 01:20: Opening reflection, recalling the disaster and the anniversary.
• 01:20 – 02:00: Direct critique of political inaction and explicit questioning of President Mazón’s leadership.
• 02:00 – 03:10: The lingering pain in the community, the need for justice, and a promise of solidarity.

Conclusion

Àngels Barceló delivers a deeply empathetic and powerful reflection on the DANA’s anniversary, balancing journalistic rigor with poignant emotional appeal. She demands accountability, political commitment, and justice for those harmed, ensuring listeners—especially the people of Valencia—know they are not alone in their grief or demands for reparative action.