Joan Baldoví, a regional MP and spokesperson for Compromís, said he refrained from reacting to laughter from Carlos Mazón during a parliamentary debate.

The incident highlights the intense political friction in the Valencian Parliament regarding the handling of the DANA emergency, a crisis with significant human casualties.

Baldoví addressed the episode during a debate held on June 6, 2024 [1], at Les Corts, the Valencian Parliament in Valencia, Spain [1]. According to Baldoví, the laughter from Mazón, who serves as the president in function of the Generalitat Valenciana, occurred while the opposition was discussing the emergency response to the DANA weather event [1], [2].

Baldoví described the interaction as a profound disrespect toward the victims of the disaster. He said the situation was "a mockery of the victims" [2]. Despite the emotional toll, Baldoví said that he chose not to react publicly during the session to maintain the dignity of the legislative body.

"It was one of the hardest moments of my political life; I did not explode out of respect for the Chamber," Baldoví said [1].

The spokesperson further emphasized that his decision to remain calm was a matter of institutional priority. He said, "I was right to restrain myself out of respect for the institution" [1].

The tension between the regional government and the opposition has escalated as scrutiny increases over the management of the emergency. Baldoví's decision to prioritize the protocols of the chamber over a personal or political reaction underscores the volatility of the current legislative environment in Valencia [1], [2].

“"It was one of the hardest moments of my political life; I did not explode out of respect for the Chamber."”

The conflict reflects a deepening divide in the Valencian government over the accountability of the DANA emergency response. By framing the laughter as a 'mockery,' the opposition is leveraging the emotional weight of the tragedy to challenge the moral authority and professionalism of the regional presidency within the parliamentary record.