A sharp political conflict has erupted in Badalona after Mayor Xavier García Albiol initiated the eviction of hundreds of homeless people from an abandoned former institute building. The authorities’ decision sparked a wave of outrage among Catalonia’s leading political forces. Representatives of various parties accused the mayor of deliberately exploiting the difficult situation for personal gain and fueling division within society.
Members of Esquerra Republicana were especially outspoken, arguing that Albiol turned the plight of these people into a public spectacle to gain political advantage. Meanwhile, PSC socialists emphasized that such issues require a sensitive approach, rather than grandstanding and public demonstrations. Left-wing parties also criticized the mayor for simply moving the homeless problem from one district to another without offering real solutions.
Political Response
The actions of the Badalona mayor drew sharp criticism from Junts and Comuns representatives. They believe that Albiol is not solving the problem but making it worse, shifting responsibility to other levels of government. According to them, after the eviction, some migrants who had lived in the institute were forced to seek shelter elsewhere in the city, including at the municipal Can Bofí Vell shelter, which has been closed since last year.
Junts leaders reminded that Partido Popular (PP) had previously blocked the transfer of migration powers to the Catalonian government. In their view, this only complicated the situation and deprived the city of the ability to respond effectively to challenges. Comuns representatives accused the mayor of acting boldly only toward the most vulnerable, while being unable to tackle the city’s real problems.
Accusations of racism
During public speeches, the mayor and his party faced accusations of institutional racism. According to the opposition, Albiol uses the issues of migrants and the homeless to foment fear and hostility, as well as to fight political opponents. Esquerra Republicana representatives stated that such policies lead to dehumanization and societal division.
At the same time, several politicians called on the Catalan government to take a more active role and accept greater responsibility for addressing the problems of homelessness and migration. They believe that without coordination between the municipality and regional authorities, the crisis will only worsen.
Mayor’s response
Xavier García Albiol himself did not hide his stance and openly declared that he would not take further responsibility for the fate of the evicted people. He stressed that from now on it is up to the central government to find them accommodation, referring to the statements by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez about the need to help all those in need.
The mayor also stated publicly that the eviction was necessary to maintain order and security in the city. However, his comments and actions had the opposite effect: instead of gaining support, he faced widespread criticism and accusations of inaction and provocation.
Aftermath of the eviction
Following the eviction, former residents of the institute were scattered across various districts of Badalona. Some found temporary shelter in a closed shelter, while others had to spend the nights on the streets. Local residents and community organizations express concern that the problem remains unsolved and has simply spread to other parts of the city.
As a result of the mayor’s actions, Badalona has become the focus of attention across Catalonia. Political debate over the fate of the homeless and migrants continues, while the local community is demanding real and lasting solutions from the authorities.
