Political Tensions Escalate in Badalona Following Migrant Eviction from Former School
The eviction of migrants from a former school in Badalona has triggered a social crisis and sharp political conflicts involving local and regional leaders, exposing deep divisions over migration policy and coexistence.
- • Nearly 400 migrants were evicted from a former school in Badalona, now living in precarious conditions outdoors.
- • Mayor García-Albiol justified the eviction due to crime and refused to reopen temporary shelters, blaming 'criminals' among migrants.
- • President Salvador Illa advocates for law compliance and social coexistence, working discreetly to resolve the crisis.
- • Carles Puigdemont criticized rhetoric and leadership on both sides and called for immigration powers to transfer to the Generalitat.
Key details
Nearly 400 migrants were evicted from a former school in Badalona almost a week ago, sparking a social crisis and intense political fallout in the city and wider Catalonia. Many of the evicted migrants now face harsh conditions, with some sheltering under a highway bridge and others occupying an abandoned shelter that local authorities refuse to reopen, citing its poor condition, as reported by local sources.
Badalona's Mayor Xavier García-Albiol, from the Popular Party, justified the eviction by citing the school's association with crime, including drug-related activities and prostitution, claiming some migrants were "criminals" contributing to unrest. García-Albiol stated that the events would change how irregular migration is managed in the area.
In contrast, Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, emphasized the importance of law compliance and social coexistence. Illa urged calm among citizens to avoid escalating tensions and is reportedly working discreetly with local authorities to find solutions, choosing dialogue with the mayor over confrontation. Nonetheless, this incident compounds existing regional crises, such as the outbreak of African swine fever, intensifying political pressures.
Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont sharply criticized both Albiol and Illa — condemning Albiol's incendiary rhetoric, which he argues fuels political conflict and fear, and Illa's perceived inadequate leadership. Puigdemont advocated for transferring immigration powers to the Generalitat, asserting local governments need stronger legal tools to address citizens' concerns compassionately.
Furthermore, spokesperson for the Spanish government, Elma Díaz, condemned the eviction as racist and xenophobic, linking it to the People's Party's fostering of far-right sentiment. Support from political parties like ERC and Comuns called for the Generalitat to protect migrants' basic human rights. David Cid, spokesperson for Comuns, described the mayor's treatment of the migrants as cruel and demanded action.
The migrant crisis in Badalona thus remains unresolved, highlighting underlying social tensions and triggering a predictable but severe political battle in Catalonia amid the holiday season. Authorities face increasing pressure to balance security concerns with humanitarian needs as the situation continues.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
