A tense incident over illegal occupation has erupted once again in the municipality of Parla, located south of Madrid. This time, the NH hotel, which was undergoing major renovations ahead of its planned opening, became the focus. Early in the morning, a group of 80 people entered the building, occupied the premises, and alarmed both local residents and authorities.
Lightning-fast police operation
The hotel’s alarm system was triggered almost immediately after the break-in. This allowed National Police officers to respond quickly and launch a large-scale operation to clear the building. Within 24 hours, everyone inside was escorted outside. Despite the tense situation, there were no clashes or injuries. However, three individuals were detained on suspicion of committing offenses.
According to law enforcement, most of those evicted had already been involved in similar incidents before. Some had only recently been removed from another hotel that had also been illegally occupied. This trend is a source of concern for local residents, who fear such events might recur.
Response from residents and politicians
The events in Parla sparked a strong reaction among locals. Many residents express dissatisfaction and concern, believing their safety is at risk. According to them, the sudden arrival of a large group of people within a few hours could not have been a coincidence and was likely preplanned. Residents complain about the lack of police patrols and fear that such incidents may happen again in the near future.
Political parties have not stood aside. Opposition representatives, notably VOX and the Partido Popular, have accused the local authoritiesβled by a PSOE and MΓ‘s Madrid coalitionβof inaction and an inability to effectively address the issue of illegal occupancy. In their view, Parla is becoming a haven for such groups, and the measures taken by the administration are insufficient to protect the interests of residents and property owners.
An organized scheme or mere coincidence?
Local residents and experts note that the rapid settlement of such a large number of people in a single building suggests the presence of an organized operation. They say similar groups act in a coordinated manner, targeting buildings under renovation or temporarily vacant. This approach allows them to avoid immediate intervention and maintain control of the property until police arrive.
At the same time, police representatives emphasize that thanks to modern security systems and a prompt response, it was possible to prevent the escalation of the conflict and minimize damage. However, the problem of illegal occupancy in Spain remains pressing, especially in major cities and suburbs where many properties are temporarily unused.
Challenges for the municipality and the entire country
The incident in Parla is another reminder of the need to reconsider approaches to security and the protection of property ownersβ rights. In recent years, the number of such incidents across the country has been growing, causing concern not only among citizens but also among business representatives investing in the hospitality sector.
Experts note that to effectively address this issue, it is necessary not only to tighten legislation but also to strengthen preventive measures and enhance cooperation between municipalities, the police, and property management companies. Only a comprehensive approach can reduce risks and restore residents’ trust in the authorities.
As RUSSPAIN reported earlier
NH Hotel Group is one of the largest hotel operators in Spain and Europe, founded in 1978. The company manages hundreds of hotels in various countries, including Spain, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. The NH brand is renowned for its focus on service quality and its modern approach to hotel management. In recent years, the company has actively invested in renovating and modernizing its properties to meet the increasing demands of the market. In Parla, the NH hotel was preparing to reopen after an extensive renovation, a move expected to attract new guests and boost tourism in the region. However, incidents of illegal occupation like this create additional challenges for the business and undermine investor confidence. Despite this, NH Hotel Group continues to expand its network and implement innovative solutions to enhance guest safety and comfort. The company believes that working closely with local authorities and law enforcement will help minimize risks and ensure stable hotel operations even amid a volatile real estate market.
