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Spanish Floods Spark Vigilante Groups
Citizen vigilante groups form in flood-ravaged Spain, raising concerns about security and far-right involvement amid criticism of the government's response.
Greek
Greece
HealthClimate ChangeFar-RightRefugees And MigrationFloodsGovernment ResponsePublic AngerVigilantes
Spanish PoliceSpanish MilitarySpanish Government
King FelipePedro SánchezMartínThaida Puerta
- What are the concerns and actions of these vigilante groups?
- These groups, some with alleged far-right affiliations, patrol the streets armed with sticks and other tools, citing fears for their safety and the inadequacy of official security measures.
- What prompted the formation of citizen vigilante groups in Paiporta, Valencia?
- Following devastating floods in Spain, citizens formed vigilante groups in the Valencian neighborhood of Paiporta to deter reported thefts and looting due to perceived insufficient police response.
- How has the Spanish government responded to the crisis and the subsequent security concerns?
- The Spanish government deployed almost 15,000 police officers and military personnel to the Valencia region to aid in cleanup efforts and maintain order, with over 170 arrests reported.
- What is the public sentiment regarding the governmental response to the flood and subsequent events?
- Public anger has mounted over the perceived slow and inadequate response to the crisis, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez facing criticism and even mud-throwing during a visit to the affected area.
- What are the differing views regarding the involvement of far-right elements within the vigilante groups?
- While some vigilante groups deny extremist leanings, others openly display far-right symbols, highlighting the complex sociopolitical context of the situation.