Homeless deaths in Barcelona have triggered a severe political crisis. The city council faces intense pressure following reports that five homeless people have died on the streets in just five weeks. These tragic figures, compiled by the local charity Arrels Fundació, highlight a growing emergency. Consequently, they have sparked urgent calls for action and a heated debate over the city’s social policies.
The fatalities coincided with a recent drop in temperatures. This situation has placed Mayor Jaume Collboni’s administration under intense scrutiny. Opposition parties have criticised the government’s response as insufficient. Moreover, they demand greater accountability for its social policies. This local scrutiny contrasts with Mayor Collboni’s role in a European alliance urging EU action on housing.
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Political Response to Homeless Deaths in Barcelona
Critics from across the political spectrum have voiced strong concerns. For instance, Carol Recio of Barcelona en Comú directly attributed the recent homeless deaths in Barcelona to what she termed “Collboni’s homelessness policies.” She accused the mayor of delaying emergency cold-weather protocols. Similarly, Josep Rius of Junts expressed little confidence in the current administration. He stated that activating the cold weather operation with only 200 additional shelter places was “insufficient.”
Furthermore, Daniel Sirera, leader of the PP, called the situation “unacceptable” for a city with a budget over €4 billion. He has requested an appearance by the Councillor for Social Services, Raquel Gil. Sirera noted that social workers are “so overwhelmed that they cannot do daily follow-ups in cold episodes like these days.”
Government Defends Social Budget Amid Homeless Deaths in Barcelona
In response, the ruling PSC executive defended its record. In the mayor’s absence, councillor Marta Villanueva stated that tackling homelessness is a “priority.” She highlighted the city’s “highest budget in history” for social policies, amounting to €1 billion. This budget includes funding for homelessness initiatives. This defence comes alongside the city council’s recent move to ease property purchase rights to increase affordable housing. This initiative aims to tackle the crisis’s root causes.
Villanueva confirmed the council is assessing whether to extend its ‘cold weather operation’. This operation provides 200 additional shelter places and was scheduled to end on 13th January. Additionally, she noted a cross-party homelessness working group was established before Christmas. This group includes experts and charities and will consider changes to emergency protocols.
Scale of the Crisis Behind Homeless Deaths in Barcelona
The recent deaths occur amid a significant rise in rough sleeping. According to data from the Arrels Fundació, volunteers counted 1,982 people on the streets in early December. The report also cited a 33% annual increase in rough sleeping. Therefore, this paints a grim picture of the challenge. This situation is further contextualised by a recent Càritas report showing one in four Barcelona residents face serious housing difficulties.
While opposition parties demand immediate action, some criticise the political rhetoric. For example, ERC leader Elisenda Alemany criticised others for using the issue to “wear down the government and not to seek solutions.” However, her party has secured €12 million for a ‘housing first’ project. This project aims to provide permanent accommodation for homeless individuals.
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