In recent weeks, the issue of evictions has sharply escalated in Barcelona and its suburbs, directly impacting city life and heightening social tension. Several districts have come into the spotlight due to the forced removal of people unable to find affordable housing. As El Pais reports, the situation affects not only migrants but also working residents, highlighting the scale and complexity of the crisis.
On Wednesday morning, City Police officers carried out an eviction operation involving around 60 people living in makeshift shelters near the future La Sagrera station construction site. Many of them are young undocumented migrants who have been forced to live for months in complete uncertainty, without access even to social housing. Most work in the informal sector or have temporary contracts, but that is not enough to rent even the most modest apartment.
Evictions in the suburbs
An even more challenging situation has unfolded in Badalona, where a group of people who previously lived in an abandoned building of the former B9 institute were forced to move under the C-31 bridge. However, they were not left in peace there either: this week, authorities finally evicted them from under the bridge, citing the need to clear the area. According to El Pais, local officials offered no alternatives, and the city mayor openly stated his unwillingness to help.
At the same time, another drama unfolded in the Gràcia district: professor Txema Escorsa faces the threat of eviction from an apartment that was purchased by an investment fund. The new owner plans to divide the flat into several rooms and rent each for €850, making it nearly impossible for an average working person to afford living there. Despite the support of hundreds of neighbors, the situation remains unresolved.
Housing market and social consequences
These developments show that Barcelona’s housing crisis affects people from all walks of life. Even with a stable income of €2,000 per month, there is no guarantee for the future if the housing market is entirely controlled by investors’ interests. As El Pais writes, the lack of accessible solutions is making the city increasingly unlivable for ordinary residents, while social mobility for migrants and young people is effectively blocked.
The Catalan authorities have already faced the need for emergency support measures. For example, a large-scale aid package for families and businesses was recently launched, detailed in the article about new support programs in Catalonia. However, the current eviction crisis requires not only financial injections, but also a reconsideration of housing distribution strategies and stronger tenant protection.
Challenges for the city
Incidents in La Sagrera, Gràcia, and Badalona are just part of a larger trend. In recent years, Barcelona has seen a rise in evictions, especially affecting vulnerable groups. The problem is made worse by the fact that many evicted residents still work and pay taxes but cannot afford even the most basic housing. Without urgent action, the city risks a new wave of social unrest and a surge in populist sentiment.
According to russpain.com, cases like these are becoming increasingly common not only in Barcelona but also across other major Spanish cities. In recent months, both Madrid and Valencia have reported mass evictions driven by rising rental prices and increased activity from investment funds. Authorities are forced to balance business interests with the need to protect citizens’ rights, but so far solutions remain limited and do not address the full extent of the problem.
The surge in evictions in Catalonia and other regions of Spain is linked to several factors: rising property prices, a decline in available social housing, and the growing influence of large investors in the rental market. Over the past two years, the number of requests for help due to the threat of eviction has nearly doubled. Authorities periodically announce new support programs, but their effectiveness is often limited. In 2025, Barcelona has already seen large-scale protests against evictions, but there have been no systemic changes yet.
