Update, 27th October 2026: According to Metrópoli Abierta, the Public Prosecutor’s Office requested that six minors be placed in supervised facilities and another 20 be banned from gatherings for up to 20 months, while police opened 68 administrative records for seized items such as bladed weapons, sprays, and fireworks, and deployed 295 Mossos and 229 Guàrdia Urbana officers, using selective launchers amid intense attacks.
Mayor Assesses Damage and Blames Social Media Mobilisation
Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has estimated the cost of urban furniture destroyed during Saturday 24th October's riots at €36,000. In an interview with Cadena SER, he reiterated that 128 people were arrested, with 56% of them under 18 years of age. As a result, he stated that parents will be held financially responsible through judicial and patrimonial channels. Collboni described the violence as "gratuitous" and not linked to legitimate protest, calling it a "very suspicious mobilisation" promoted via social media, particularly TikTok. The incidents are now under investigation by the Mossos d'Esquadra and the Urban Guard, with authorities examining who may have orchestrated the unrest.
We need to look at who is celebrating it and infer who might be behind it.
Business Groups Demand Support and Accountability
The Gremi de Restauració de Barcelona expressed criticism over not being invited to a City Council meeting with business representatives on Monday 26th October, citing previous comments on inadequate police deployment. Roger Pallarols, the entity's general director, said the response "was not up to par" and called on the council to take responsibility for private damages. Elvira García, director of Barcelona Oberta, voiced "disappointment, frustration, and great sadness" over the events, urging for compensation and a direct communication channel between businesses and the Mossos.
Pimec Comerç Calls for Emergency Aid Plan
Pimec Comerç has strongly condemned the riots and looting, demanding immediate action to prevent businesses from bearing the financial burden alone. The organisation highlighted forced closures, property damage, and significant loss of income. President Mònica Gregori said:
Businesses cannot end up paying the consequences of acts of vandalism of which they are victims.
Pimec Comerç is calling for direct emergency aid, compensation for lost trading days, and reductions or refunds on municipal fees for services that could not be used. It also proposes a one-stop shop to streamline insurance claims, expert assessments, and aid applications.
Council Launches €500,000 Support Mechanism
On Monday 26th October, the Barcelona City Council activated a support mechanism for businesses affected by the riots, allocating €500,000. The aid will prioritise small and medium-sized enterprises, assisting with insurance claims and urgent repairs. The one-stop shop will be managed by Barcelona Activa and municipal legal services to help affected businesses restore operations quickly. More information on the support scheme is available via the Barcelona Activa website.
Sources: El Nacional, barcelonactiva.cat.
