Power Without Concience
When Self-Preservation Replaces Public Service
Since the DANA disaster, political conduct in the Valencian government has revealed a troubling reality: the victims appear to be treated as inconvenient obstacles, while officials concentrate on defending their own reputations. Carlos Mazón’s response has been characterised by defensiveness and self-preservation rather than empathy and accountability. Crucially, even his resignation speech seemed more like a carefully worded protective statement for future enquiries than a sincere admission of responsibility.
Salomé Pradas’ evasive behaviour only deepened public frustration, refusing to answer direct questions, avoiding eye contact, and substituting politicised explanations for clear, human-centred answers. Rather than acknowledging loss or failure, political figures have appeared rehearsed and legally defensive, prioritising image over integrity.
Perhaps the most striking example was Mazón’s decision to attend a victims’ anniversary service in Valencia despite not being invited. Far from symbolic solidarity, his presence was widely perceived as an intrusion, a political gesture without moral substance. Meanwhile, mass public outrage has grown, yet his refusal to step down highlights a broader problem: a profound disconnection between those in power and the people they claim to serve.
This situation raises fundamental questions about leadership, morality, and the obligations of public office. When survival matters more than service, and when emotional detachment replaces empathy, we must ask whether such politicians are fit to govern.
Vocabulary Builder
Match the word with its meaning:
Word Meaning
1. Accountability A. Lack of concern for others’ feelings
2. Defensive B. Blaming others to avoid blame yourself
3. Empathy C. Being responsible for one’s actions
4. Evasive D. Avoiding direct answers
5. Intrusion E. Emotional understanding of others
6. Detached F. Coming into a situation uninvited
7. Deflection G. Trying to protect oneself
Discussion Questions
-
Why is accountability important in leadership?
-
Do you think a politician must show empathy to be effective? Why or why not?
-
Was attending the anniversary service appropriate for Mazón? What message did it send?
-
What qualities should citizens expect from public officials after a tragedy?
True or False
Read the statements and decide if they are true or false. Correct the false ones.
-
Mazón’s resignation speech was widely seen as a sincere apology.
-
Pradas avoided answering direct questions from critics.
-
Attending the anniversary service helped heal public outrage.
-
The text suggests politicians should focus more on people than image.
Opinion Expressions
Match the expressions with their use:
Opinion Expression Use
A. Strong opinion 1 It seems to me that…
B. Unsure opinion 2 I strongly believe…
C. Personal perspective 3 From my perspective…
D. Nuanced perspective 4 In my view…
Use these expressions to answer: Do you think political leaders should resign after a disaster? Why?
The harsh realities of misgovernance- Paiporta, Valencia after the Dana flooding (2024)