In a striking display of discontent, numerous balconies in the upper part of Barcelona’s Gòtic quarter, located in the heart of the Ciutat Vella district, are now adorned with banners protesting against insecurity, incivility, and filth. This is not a festive decoration but a clear message from residents who feel they have reached their breaking point.
Xarxa Veïnal Gòtic Leads the Charge
The campaign, spearheaded by the Xarxa Veïnal Gòtic association, marks the initial phase of a broader series of actions and mobilisations. Residents are demanding urgent measures to address what they perceive as escalating degradation and crime in this historic part of the city. The slogan “Hemos dicho basta” (We’ve had enough) is prominently featured on the banners, which have been hung on facades along streets such as Santa Anna, Francesc Pujols, Duc, Canuda, Bot, and in Plaça Vila de Madrid.
The Rise of ‘Narco-Premises’ and Public Drug Consumption
The Xarxa Veïnal Gòtic has specifically highlighted a concerning increase in public drug consumption and other unsavoury activities in Plaça Vila de Madrid, an area situated between La Rambla and Portal de l’Àngel. This deterioration is attributed to the alleged operation of a ‘narco-premise’ in a former vacant establishment, which has attracted a clientele that intensifies the residents’ unease. “They cause fights, problems, and situations that do not allow us to live in peace,” stated the neighbourhood collective, emphasising the disruptive impact on their daily lives.
Demands for Increased Police Presence and Security Measures
While acknowledging better collaboration with the local police forces (Guardia Urbana and Mossos d’Esquadra), the association criticises the perceived lack of effectiveness in police presence due to insufficient resources. The Xarxa Veïnal Gòtic is urging the Ciutat Vella district authorities to implement immediate solutions to tackle the pressing issues of incivility and insecurity in the square and its surrounding streets. They describe the northern flank of the neighbourhood as facing “a complex situation, with street drug consumption, robberies, and absolute incivility.”
Four-Point Plan for a Safer Gòtic
The association has outlined a four-point plan to address these concerns:
- Increased Police Patrolling: More consistent patrolling by dedicated police pairs.
- Security Camera Plan: Implementation of a comprehensive security camera system.
- Enhanced Lighting: Improved lighting in the affected areas.
- Police Action: Enforcement of municipal regulations through targeted police operations.
“This is the foundation for preventing all the issues we are reporting,” stated the association. They further demand “an immediate application of the law against illegal and dangerous behaviours, punitive action for serious cases of incivility, a clear protocol to protect minors [referring to alcohol consumption near the Vila de Madrid playground], real coordination, and transparent communication.”
Urgent Call for the Recovery of Plaça Vila de Madrid
The Xarxa Veïnal Gòtic also stressed the urgency of recovering Plaça Vila de Madrid. “The situation in the square and its surroundings must be addressed immediately; it has to be instant,” they urged, highlighting the critical need for swift intervention to restore order and quality of life in the area.
This protest in the Gòtic quarter comes amidst broader concerns about urban degradation in Barcelona, with similar initiatives and discussions taking place in other neighbourhoods such as Sant Antoni and L’Hospitalet, where residents are also demanding greater security and improved living conditions.
Source: https://www.elperiodico.com/es/barcelona/20251216/barcelona-inseguridad-gotic-pancartas-balcones-124823580
