The Generalitat's Department of Social Rights plans to restart evictions of illegally occupied public housing in the Mina district, following a summer of protests and reoccupations.
The Generalitat de Catalunya is set to resume evictions of illegally occupied public housing in the Mina neighborhood of Sant Adrià de Besòs starting this December. The Department of Social Rights announced that these actions will proceed once courts provide new dates and necessary timelines are met. This decision comes after a summer marked by significant unrest, where initial evictions sparked protests and subsequent reoccupations.
Previously, the Consorci de la Mina had executed several evictions in designated areas but paused operations in July at the request of local police, the Mossos d’Esquadra. Now, with renewed determination, they aim to reclaim properties essential for relocating families from the nearby Venus building.
“We are committed to continuing with our planned actions,” stated a representative from Social Rights. The department emphasizes that these evictions are crucial for recovering public housing needed for vulnerable families awaiting relocation.
This situation has been exacerbated by years of tension within the community. The blocks along Rambla were initially constructed to house families displaced by plans to demolish Venus but have remained largely vacant due to delays and disputes over relocation processes. Since 2017, many units have been subject to mass occupations, complicating efforts to restore public housing availability.
“Those occupying these homes were notified years ago about their obligation to vacate,” asserted officials from Social Rights.
In light of ongoing tensions, Drets Socials has also addressed demands from occupants seeking regularization and alternative housing solutions. While acknowledging these concerns, they maintain that illegal occupations hinder progress toward resolving long-standing issues related to Venus.
The upcoming eviction process is part of a broader initiative known as “Futur y transformación del barrio de la Mina 2025-2030.” This plan aims not only at reclaiming occupied properties but also at facilitating urban transformation within the neighborhood. Historical precedents show that similar urban renewal efforts often face backlash when residents feel excluded from decision-making processes; however, authorities insist on balancing legal enforcement with social guarantees.
As part of their strategy moving forward, Drets Socials has coordinated with local police on how best to execute these upcoming evictions while ensuring compliance with judicial mandates and social protections for affected individuals. They assert that any actions taken will consider personal circumstances and vulnerabilities among those involved.
“We will continue assessing cases where vulnerability is evident,” said a spokesperson for Drets Socials.
The administration has pledged support through social services for those who reach out during this challenging time. Individuals facing eviction may be referred to emergency assistance programs available in Sant Adrià de Besòs if they demonstrate need.
The resumption of these evictions highlights an ongoing struggle between maintaining public order and addressing social welfare needs within one of Catalonia’s most complex neighborhoods. As December approaches, residents can expect increased activity around these properties as authorities prepare for what could be another tumultuous chapter in the Mina’s history.
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