Last year's storm claimed the lives of around 229 people in the Valencia region, sparking a storm of criticism against regional president Carlos Mazón, who is accused of acting too little, too late.
"I know I made mistakes. I admit them and I will live with them for the rest of my life. I have apologized and I apologize again today, but none of the mistakes were made with political calculations or out of malice," Mazón said at a press conference.
Residents of the region received warning notices from the authorities at a stage when some residential areas had already been submerged. Mazón himself was sitting in a lunch meeting with a journalist that lasted several hours when the worst of the storm hit.
The regional president will, however, remain in the regional parliament, thus retaining his legal immunity. His party, the conservative PP, also expects him to remain in his post until a replacement is found, El País reports.
At a national memorial ceremony with the king and prime minister in Valencia last week, Carlos Mazón was met with swearing and insults from the relatives of the victims.
Just a few days earlier, tens of thousands of people had taken part in a series of demonstrations in the city, loudly demanding his resignation. Opinion polls have shown that a large majority of residents want Mazón to resign.
