Spanish flags displayed during Barcelona’s 12th October Hispanic Day celebrations have sparked controversy. The flags were hung along Passeig de Gràcia during Saturday’s Spanish nationalist demonstration. However, they began disappearing overnight. Catalan youth organisation Nosaltres Sols has claimed responsibility for removing several flags. Their social media video shows members taking down the banners under the message “we’re Catalan by nature, Spanish by imposition.” The group emerged in 2019 following the independence referendum sentencing week.
Political Reactions and Municipal Response
Meanwhile, Junts per Catalunya has formally demanded municipal action. The party’s municipal group president Jordi Martí Galbis submitted an official request on Monday. He argues the city council violates its own urban landscape regulations by not removing remaining flags. Furthermore, Galbis states municipal services have failed their duty to ensure public space compliance. The flags reportedly contravene Barcelona’s Municipal Ordinance on Urban Landscape Use.
Additionally, Junts representatives confirm some flags remain hanging. Junts deputy Anna Navarro shared photographic evidence on social media this morning. Consequently, the party insists Mayor Jaume Collboni’s government must order immediate removal. They describe the flags as illegally installed during Saturday’s 3,500-person demonstration. The protest gathered according to Barcelona Urban Guard official figures.
Community Response and Ongoing Situation
Moreover, the flag removal has received significant online support. Many social media users applaud Nosaltres Sols’ actions in their video comments. Nevertheless, the situation highlights ongoing tensions in Barcelona’s public spaces. The flags were tied to street lamps using wooden canes along the procession route. Therefore, their continued presence creates visible political division.
However, only independentist youth groups have taken direct action so far. The city council hasn’t yet commented on Junts’ formal complaint. This follows similar controversies around nationalist symbols in Barcelona previously. For context, political tensions often surface in Barcelona’s public spaces during national holidays.
Ultimately, the flag dispute reflects deeper political divisions in Catalonia. Both Spanish and Catalan symbols frequently become focal points for political expression. The situation continues developing as municipal authorities consider their response. Local residents and businesses await official action regarding remaining flags.
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