Barcelona City Council's Presidency, Security and Interior Regime Commission recently approved an integral plan to enhance safety and coexistence in the Poble-sec and La Marina neighbourhoods. This initiative, proposed by the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) municipal group, seeks to address various local challenges. The plan received support from the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC), Junts, and Barcelona en Comú, with the Popular Party (PP) abstaining. Vox voted against the proposal.
New Measures for Neighbourhood Safety
The approved plan outlines several concrete measures. It includes increasing the presence of civic agents in public spaces. The plan also focuses on reforming and improving degraded urban areas within the neighbourhoods. Additionally, it proposes launching inclusion and support programmes specifically for vulnerable young people and other at-risk individuals. This multi-pronged approach aims to tackle the root causes of insecurity.
The initiative also advocates for a community coexistence model. This model is based on "proximity and mediation" to resolve local disputes. Furthermore, the plan calls for an expanded presence of both the local police, Guàrdia Urbana, and the regional police force, Mossos d'Esquadra. These forces will work to deter crime and maintain order.
Addressing Local Concerns
Jordi Coronas from ERC expressed significant concern about the current situation. He highlighted the "problematic" issues converging in Poble-sec, La Marina de Port, and La Marina del Prat Vermell. Coronas stated, "We are concerned about the current situation and the direction the Poble-sec, La Marina de Port, and La Marina del Prat Vermell neighbourhoods are experiencing, where various problems converge." He specifically referenced recent shootings in the area. Coronas also distinguished between organised crime and the vulnerability of homeless individuals living in places like Montjuïc mountain.
He argued that the solution extends beyond "exclusively more police and stricter Penal Code enforcement." Coronas called for increased police pressure. However, he also stressed the need to "go to the root" of issues. This involves deploying more street teams and fostering stronger community partnerships. The approved text also includes a proposal to establish a monitoring table in each neighbourhood. These tables will track progress on coexistence and safety initiatives.
District Councillor's Perspective
Raquel Gil, the Councillor for the Sants-Montjuïc district, agreed on the need for a "holistic and generous" approach to these neighbourhoods. The Sants-Montjuïc district is home to over 180,000 residents. Gil noted that two existing tables already involve residents, citizens, and traders, where improvement proposals emerge regularly. She acknowledged "serious shootings" and other incidents in La Marina. These events contributed to a "sense of insecurity" among residents. However, Gil also stated that overall crime data indicates a general decrease in criminal activity across the district.
Political Party Reactions
Neus Munté from Junts described ERC's proposal as "timely." She argued that security and social rights "complement each other" effectively. Munté expressed support for the initiative. However, she clarified, "Talking about coexistence without effective security is frivolous." She confirmed that Junts would insist on a greater police presence to ensure effective security.
Barcelona en Comú also supported the plan. They cited the need for an "integral response" to the problems concerning residents. The party criticised the current socialist administration. They stated that Poble-sec and La Marina had "ceased to be a priority" for the City Council during this mandate. The conservative Popular Party (PP) shared the diagnosis of the issues. However, they believed the plan should go further, emphasising police presence and sanctioning power. This led to their abstention rather than blocking the initiative. Vox voted against the proposal. They called the text "a catch-all" and argued that its measures, while potentially useful for combating poverty, were insufficient against criminal gangs.
Looking Ahead
The approval of this integral plan marks a significant step for the Sants-Montjuïc district. Its implementation will now require coordinated efforts from various city departments and local stakeholders. The proposed neighbourhood monitoring tables will play a key role in tracking the plan's effectiveness. They will also help adapt strategies as needed to ensure lasting improvements in safety and coexistence for residents. This long-term commitment aims to create more secure and harmonious communities.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
