Call for Prosecution and Accountability
On Wednesday 21st October 2026, the Municipal Group of the Popular Party (PP) will formally request that Mayor Jaume Collboni take legal action over disturbances during the 1st October independence demonstration and the large-scale housing protest on 5th October. Daniel Sirera, PP spokesperson, will urge the city council to join as a private prosecutor in any resulting court proceedings. The demand will be made at the Security Commission meeting this week, where the PP will also press for those responsible to be held financially liable for damages.
Damage Costs Exceed €42,000
According to Deputy Mayor for Security Albert Batlle, damage from the housing protest alone exceeds €42,000. This includes the destruction of around thirty waste containers set alight during unrest following the demonstration. The Guàrdia Urbana estimated 20,000 attendees, while organisers claimed 120,000.
The damage caused by the acts of vandalism cannot always end up being paid for by the people of Barcelona with their taxes, while the perpetrators go unpunished.
, Daniel Sirera, PP Spokesperson
Investigation into Vandalism and Graffiti
The PP will also ask the city government to identify those responsible for graffiti on monuments in Plaça de Catalunya, which appeared during the housing encampment. Additionally, they are calling for an inspection of asphalt and pavement in Plaça d'Urquinaona to assess damage from the riots. Sirera stated: "Barcelona needs a government that commands respect for public space, protects municipal heritage, and is forceful against violence and vandalism." This follows a similar request by Junts, which had previously urged authorities to investigate the same incidents.
Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by beteve.cat, Marina Segura i Vidal, en.ara.cat, euronews.com, metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, rtve.es, Ricardo Coarasa Ángela Poves, lavanguardia.com, betevé.
