A scandal has erupted in Catalonia over the mass eviction of people from the former B9 Institute building in Badalona. MEP Jaume Asens has filed a complaint with the prosecutor’s office against the city’s mayor, Xavier García Albiol. The complaint cites four possible offenses, including incitement to hatred and discrimination against the evicted residents.
According to Asens, the mayor’s actions may have led to denial of services on discriminatory grounds, ignoring court orders, and abuse of office. The spotlight is on the fate of 180 people who were forced to leave the building, many of whom are now in a vulnerable situation.
Authorities’ response
Catalan government’s Councillor for Social Rights and Inclusion, Mònica Martínez Bravo, reported that 120 of those evicted were temporarily housed in various facilities to prevent them from sleeping on the street. She said that emergency assistance was offered to all vulnerable individuals, but not everyone agreed to accept it.
Martínez Bravo emphasized that regional authorities and social organizations have joined forces to find temporary housing for those affected. She also criticized the Badalona administration for inaction and reminded that all authorities are obliged to fulfill their duties, especially in times of crisis.
Problems with accommodation
Many of those evicted, according to officials, were forced to seek shelter under the bridge on the C-31 highway, where an improvised tent camp emerged. Representatives of social services and charities tried to find temporary housing for them, but faced several obstacles.
Asens’ complaint notes that the court eviction order required authorities to provide alternative housing in accordance with the municipal protocol for the homeless. However, the mayor repeatedly stated that the city would not provide either housing or other resources for the evicted, contradicting the court’s mandate.
Pressure and roadblocks
The situation worsened after local residents blocked access to some shelters to prevent migrants and other evictees from being accommodated. In particular, the main municipal emergency center — the former Can Bofí Vell shelter — was closed, depriving the city of basic infrastructure for supporting those in need.
On December 21, a group of people blocked the entrance to one of the parish churches to prevent several evictees from finding temporary shelter. Once again, the mayor said he did not intend to provide housing for these people. During these events, xenophobic and offensive remarks were made, which, according to the complainants, were not condemned by the city authorities.
Key events
The complaint cites a phrase by the mayor during a meeting with residents: “Give me some damn time to try to solve this. If not—do whatever you think is necessary.” According to Asens, such words could be interpreted as tacit approval of collective pressure or even the use of force.
Journalists documented the events, recording meetings and protests on video. These materials could become important evidence in assessing the actions of the city authorities and the local community’s response to the eviction.
