In recent months, Badalona has seen a sharp increase in homelessness: four people without shelter have died on the cityβs streets. This sparked a wave of public discontent and raised questions about how the city authorities are responding to such tragedies. The closure of the municipal shelter Can BofΓ Vell in spring 2024 has left hundreds without access to basic support, which many residents believe is directly linked to the recent deaths.
In the evening, around a hundred people gathered in the cityβs main square to honor the memory of those who died. White silhouettes appeared on the pavement, placed alongside shoes, blankets, candles, and flowers. Organizers from the Badalona Acull platform openly accused Xavier Garcia Albiol’s administration of inaction and demanded the immediate reopening of the shelter. According to El Pais, representatives of left-wing parties attended the event, but no one from the current city council was present.
Public protest
During the demonstration, the names of the deceased were read aloud: RaΓΊl, Luis, an unidentified man, and Jordi. Particular attention was given to the story of Jordi Fibla, who, despite deep roots in the city, ended up on the streets and died in a local park. Protesters emphasized that each person had their own story and that their lives deserved greater attention and respect. Some signs addressed to the mayor read: βAlbiol prou.β
Actor LluΓs Marco, who spoke at the event, emphasized that the city’s social services are failing to support vulnerable citizens. He questioned whether the administration is doing everything possible to protect those in difficult situations. Participants observed a moment of silence and performed El cant dels ocells to honor the victims, also expressing disappointment at the lack of an official response from the authorities.
Response and aftermath
The Badalona Acull platform stated that the municipalityβs failure to publicly acknowledge the tragedy deepens residentsβ sense of alienation. According to activists, the city cannot afford to ignore the problem when lives are at stake. The closure of Can BofΓ Vell has effectively deprived the homeless of their last opportunity for temporary shelter, especially during the winter months.
As noted by El Pais, such incidents are not uncommon in Spain: protests against cuts to social programs and the closure of shelters have been held in various cities across the country in recent years. In Badalona, the situation is aggravated by the lack of alternative options for overnight stays, while the number of people in need continues to grow.
Context and related events
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly seen cases of homeless people dying on the streets of major cities, especially during the winter. In Madrid and Barcelona, similar protests have led to temporary support measures, but systemic change has rarely been achieved. In 2025, after a series of deaths in Valencia, authorities opened additional shelters, but several of them were closed again within months due to lack of funding. Analysis by russpain.com shows that homelessness remains one of Spain’s most pressing social issues, with solutions often implemented only following high-profile tragedies.
