Update, 3rd November 2026: According to 20minutos.es, Catalan government spokesperson Sílvia Paneque stated on 3rd November that neither the Generalitat nor the Barcelona City Council see elements recommending an eviction of the Plaça Catalunya encampment, adding that they are only monitoring the situation for now. She acknowledged the lack of guaranteed housing access and said they understand the motivation behind the protests.

Protesters Defy Eviction, Aim to Stay Until Vote

The housing rights encampment in Plaça Catalunya, Barcelona, will remain in place at least until the general elections on Sunday 29th November, activists declared on Tuesday 3rd November 2026, hours after security forces evicted a similar protest from Madrid’s Puerta del Sol. Spokesperson Kiara Monrroy told EFE: "Catalunya resists, it will not decamp." The protest, which began on Tuesday 29th September, now hosts around 500 tents according to organisers, occupying much of the central square.

Self-Organised Camp with Daily Operations

Participants have established a structured camp with designated roles, including cooking, medical care, communications, and managing donated supplies. The site also includes a food warehouse, clothing distribution, first-aid post, and portable toilets, according to ABC Cataluña reporting cited by Barna.News. Despite persistent rain and strong winds over recent weeks, protesters say they are determined to continue. The City Council cut power to seven lampposts on 20th October following a fire safety report from the Bombers warning of unsafe electrical connections, a move activists claim is intended to pressure them into leaving.

Clash Over Numbers, No Eviction Order Yet

There is a discrepancy in reported tent numbers. The Ajuntament (Barcelona City Council) estimates 360 tents, while organisers claim over 600. Both figures were recorded by Moncloa.com on 23rd October. Deputy Mayor for Security Albert Batlle ruled out an immediate eviction on 21st October, calling such action "irresponsible", though confirmed the Guàrdia Urbana (city police) are prepared to intervene if necessary. On 23rd and 24th October, a group from the camp attempted to occupy a vacant building at Carrer de Calàbria 177 in Eixample. The Mossos d'Esquadra (regional police) evicted them for flagrant offence, charging 19 people with resistance and disobedience.

Let it be clear: if they intend to or do evict us, we will reoccupy any public or private square, space, or building.

Monrroy stressed the protest remains committed to peaceful action, distancing themselves from recent disturbances linked to Blocus calls. However, they reported receiving "threats from fascist and ultra groups that use violence." The encampment supports a broader housing justice movement, including a general strike for housing scheduled for Wednesday 11th November.

What it means for you

  • When: The encampment intends to remain in Plaça Catalunya at least until the general elections on 29th November.
  • Where: Plaça Catalunya, Barcelona.

Sources: Metrópoli Abierta (CA), Barna.News News Desk, bcndades.cat, Ara.