Badalona migrant eviction tensions escalated dramatically on Sunday night as a group of local residents successfully blocked a parish church from providing emergency shelter to 15 vulnerable people.
The individuals were among nearly 200 migrants evicted from the B9 Institute in Badalona last Wednesday, many of whom have since been sleeping rough.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Consequently, a carefully coordinated humanitarian plan involving the Red Cross and social services collapsed amid heated protests.
Badalona Migrant Eviction Plan Unravels Amid Protests
A coalition of social entities, including Creu Roja, Càritas Diocesana de Barcelona, Sant Joan de Déu Serveis Socials, and the Fundació Llegat Roca i Pi, had arranged for the temporary accommodation. Furthermore, the Departament de Drets Socials of the Generalitat had pledged financial support for the initiative. The plan would have allowed the group to sleep, eat breakfast, and have dinner at the Mare de Déu de Montserrat parish between 8pm and 8am for one month. However, neighbours gathered outside the church, confronting the organisers and creating a tense atmosphere that forced the suspension of the shelter.
Mayor Xavier García Albiol attempted to mediate, arriving at the scene at 9pm to calm tensions. He proposed that the evicted individuals stay in the parish overnight while a longer-term agreement was sought with the Generalitat’s social rights department. Nevertheless, the protesters’ opposition proved decisive. Meanwhile, a smaller group did find refuge for the night at the Casal Antoni Sala i Pont, a local venue associated with the CUP, with the organisation Cuineres per la Pau providing meals.
The incident highlights broader challenges in Catalonia, where debates over resource allocation and social cohesion are ongoing. For instance, recent analysis confirms Barcelona faces one of Spain’s sharpest urban wealth gaps, a context that often fuels local tensions. Additionally, the standoff occurs as regional authorities review wider urban policies, including the Generalitat’s planned review of Low Emission Zones in January.
According to the association Badalona Acull, dozens of evicted people remain without shelter, forced to sleep under a bridge on the C-31 motorway. They have endured a weekend outdoors, including facing the region’s recent torrential rains. The ongoing Badalona migrant eviction situation therefore leaves a significant humanitarian need unmet, with vulnerable individuals exposed to the elements and community divisions laid bare.
Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates and news!
TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | X
Source: Read original article
