Radical pickets targeted LGBTQ+-oriented businesses in Barcelona's Gaixample district on Tuesday 10th November, according to reporting by Cronicaglobal. The incidents occurred in the evening hours on Carrer Consell de Cent, just before the official start of a general housing strike on Wednesday 11th November.
Business owners in the Arc de Sant Martí area reported being unable to open as usual due to intimidation. A small group of around ten protesters accused the establishments of engaging in what they called "pink capitalism", a term used to criticise commercial exploitation of LGBTQ+ identity without advancing social justice.
"Without the pickets, we would have opened normally,"
Luis Sans, a local business owner, told Cronicaglobal. On Wednesday morning, many shops in the area chose to remain closed to avoid further confrontation with aggressive pickets.
Low strike turnout citywide
Elsewhere in Barcelona, strike participation remained low. Employers' associations Pimec and Foment estimated participation at 8% and 7% respectively, while unions claimed 84%. Mobility data showed a 49% reduction in traffic across the city.
Protest activity in the Sants district was limited and did not disrupt major transport hubs. Commuters should monitor local updates via the Ajuntament de Barcelona’s official channels for any changes to services or road access.
Sources: Crónica Global.
