Badalona Mayor Xavier García Albiol has ordered the blocking of an area with cement, preventing a group of evicted homeless individuals from establishing an outdoor camp beneath a motorway. This decisive action follows their recent removal from a degraded building, leaving them with severely limited options for shelter in the city, according to a report by Metrópoli Abierta. The publication critically highlighted the mayor’s stance, stating that Badalona “does not want poor people, even outdoors,” reflecting a policy of zero tolerance for visible homelessness.
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Mayor’s Action Targets Vulnerable Residents
The group of homeless individuals had initially been displaced from a dilapidated building, a common scenario for vulnerable populations seeking refuge. Subsequently, they sought to establish a temporary camp under a motorway, a location described by Metrópoli Abierta as their “only remaining space.” This makeshift site, however, presented significant challenges, including constant exposure to high levels of pollution and incessant noise from passing traffic. Mayor Albiol’s direct order to block this area with cement effectively eliminated even this last, undesirable resort for these individuals.
Metrópoli Abierta characterised this specific action as a clear manifestation of “aporophobia,” a term coined by the renowned philosopher Adela Cortina. Aporophobia specifically denotes the rejection or hatred of poor people, distinguishing it from general xenophobia or racism, according to Badalona City Council Official Website. This incident raises serious questions about municipal approaches to homelessness and social welfare in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Wider Implications for Social Inclusion
This incident in Badalona, a city immediately north-east of Barcelona, has ignited a broader discussion across Catalonia regarding social inclusion and the treatment of its most vulnerable populations. The report by Metrópoli Abierta drew connections between the mayor’s actions and other recent events that underscore existing tensions over the use of public space and prevailing social attitudes. These include public debates surrounding the potential installation of large public viewing screens for major sporting events in Barcelona and the criteria for using university venues for political discussions, according to Homelessness in Spain Overview. These situations collectively highlight the complex challenges faced by local authorities in balancing public order with social support.
Barcelona’s Public Space and Political Discourse
In Barcelona city, Elisenda Alamany, a prominent figure from Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), reportedly voiced opposition to a potential plan by the City Council. This plan involved installing large television screens in public areas for residents to watch the upcoming World Cup football matches. Alamany expressed significant concerns that such large public gatherings could inadvertently foster an environment conducive to the resurgence of xenophobic chants and divisive rhetoric. However, Metrópoli Abierta also noted a perceived inconsistency in Alamany’s public commentary. The publication pointed out her silence regarding “Puta España” (Fuck Spain) chants, which were reportedly heard at a recent teachers’ demonstration in Barcelona. This protest was primarily organised by the trade union USTEC, highlighting the selective nature of public condemnation.
University Venue Refusal Sparks Debate
Further contributing to the regional discourse on public and political spaces, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) reportedly declined to host a joint political event. This event was intended to feature Gabriel Rufián, also from ERC, and Irene Montero of Podemos, a significant left-wing Spanish political party. The UAB officially justified its refusal by citing an institutional policy against admitting political debates on its campus. Metrópoli Abierta, however, offered a critical interpretation of this decision. The publication suggested that the university’s stance might reflect a shift in its approach, implying that support or willingness to host political figures could be influenced by their current level of political power. The report described the UAB’s explanation as a “poor excuse,” suggesting a preference for engaging with politicians “if they hold power.” This incident underscores the challenges faced by political parties in accessing public platforms.
Future of Social Policy and Public Engagement
These varied incidents, from municipal actions against homeless individuals in Badalona to debates over public viewing spaces and political platforms in Barcelona, collectively underscore ongoing discussions within Catalonia. They highlight critical issues concerning social inclusion, the equitable use of public spaces, and the evolving boundaries of political discourse. The decisions made by local authorities and public institutions in response to these challenges will continue to shape public policy, community relations, and the social fabric across the region. These events serve as a barometer for the region’s commitment to addressing the needs of all its residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta – Urban Life. Read original article.
