Coexistence ordinance protests erupted in Barcelona’s Plaça Sant Jaume on Tuesday evening. Additionally, various social groups gathered to oppose the city’s newly updated regulations. Demonstrators argue the rules represent a step towards the “criminalisation” of poverty and excessive control of public space.
A coalition of around 40 entities organised the protest. These included the Federation of Neighbourhood Associations (FAVB), human rights group Irídia, the street vendors’ union Top Manta, and various local housing networks. Consequently, their central message was clear: “Fewer prohibitions, more rights.”
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Coexistence ordinance protests highlight punitive measures
Critics claim the updated rules disproportionately target the city’s most vulnerable residents. Moreover, the manifesto read during the rally denounced the changes as a move towards a “new cycle of criminalisation”.
Activists highlighted that tougher fines and expanded police powers threaten the informal economy. This includes street vendors and sex workers, as well as those who use public spaces for social or political gatherings. Therefore, they demanded the complete withdrawal of any regime that sanctions these activities.
“The ordinance criminalises groups like the underground economy, makes them more vulnerable, and exposes them to the Urban Guard.”– Protest attendee
Satire against sanctions
The demonstration featured theatrical performances designed to mock the new regulations. Meanwhile, activists staged scenes involving satirical puppets and actors dressed as Guardia Urbana officers wielding cardboard card machines to issue on-the-spot “fines”. Participants also played a game guessing the cost of penalties for minor infractions, such as urinating in public.
Iñaki Garcia, a member of Defensem els barris de Ciutat Vella, dismissed the council’s measures as “propagandistic”. Moreover, he argued that the rules do nothing to solve underlying social issues but successfully harass the disadvantaged.
A city for tourists or residents?
A recurring theme during the protest was the belief that the ordinance is designed to sanitise Barcelona for the benefit of mass tourism. Consequently, the coalition’s manifesto accused municipal institutions of harassing inhabitants to present a “clean, polished and soulless” image of the city to visitors.
The groups noted a contradiction in the city’s approach. Economic activities that drive overcrowding and price hikes are permitted to strain the city. However, local residents, children playing in the street, and political collectives are treated as enemies of coexistence.
Protesters also criticised the increased authority granted to the Guardia Urbana and the new sanctioning powers given to civic agents. Additionally, they described it as a “multiplication of punitive action”. This follows first enforcement of Catalonia’s housing law with significant fines targeting other areas.
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