What's happened
Catalonian police evicted 400 squatters from an abandoned school in Badalona, mostly migrants from Senegal and Gambia. Most occupants left beforehand, but many face homelessness. The eviction was justified by public safety concerns, amid ongoing debates over migration and housing policies in Spain.
What's behind the headline?
The eviction highlights ongoing tensions in Spain over migration and housing. The police action, justified by public safety, risks increasing homelessness among vulnerable populations, many of whom have legal permits or are employed. Mayor García Albiol’s anti-immigration stance reflects political polarization, with local authorities prioritizing safety over social integration. The incident underscores the challenge Spain faces in balancing migration policies with urban safety and social cohesion. Moving forward, the city will need to address the root causes of housing shortages and develop sustainable solutions for migrants, or risk further social unrest.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that most occupants had left before police arrived, citing safety concerns and political motives. AP News emphasizes that many migrants survive by selling scrap metal and have legal permits but cannot afford housing. Both sources note the broader context of migration into Spain and the political debate surrounding it, with The Independent highlighting Mayor García Albiol’s anti-immigration stance and safety concerns, while AP underscores the economic benefits Spain attributes to migration. The coverage from both outlets illustrates contrasting perspectives: one framing the eviction as necessary for safety, the other warning of increased homelessness and social issues.
How we got here
Since 2023, many sub-Saharan migrants have moved into abandoned buildings in Badalona, a city bordering Barcelona. The influx is part of a broader migration trend across southern Europe, where migrants risk dangerous crossings to reach safety. Spain's government has generally supported legal migration, citing economic benefits, despite local opposition and safety concerns.
Go deeper
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Xavier García Albiol (born 8 December 1967) is a Spanish politician and member of the People's Party. He has been the president of the Badalona branch of his party since 1990, and he was the mayor of Badalona between 2011 and 2015, and again from 2020...
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Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with some pockets of territory across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. Its continental European territory is situated on the Iberian Peninsula.