The Pressure on Figueres Increases
In a strong statement, the mayor of Figueres, Jordi Masquef, has expressed his frustration over the critical situation facing the city due to the uncontrolled arrival of asylum seekers. In recent remarks, Masquef stated that "enough is enough" and criticised the state for leaving these individuals "at the mercy of God" in a local hotel.
The situation became unsustainable when the Town Hall learned, without prior notice, of the arrival of 30 new applicants. According to Masquef, these individuals are staying at the Travé hotel as part of the state asylum and international protection programme. However, the lack of official communication has left the council in a vulnerable position, without resources to cope with this growing demand.
The mayor emphasised that public services are already "more than strained", further exacerbating the difficulties in attending to local citizens. With between 60 and 80 applicants currently housed in the hotel, Masquef warned that this situation affects not only the newcomers but also the permanent residents of Figueres.
Masquef made an urgent call to the central government to provide more transparency regarding the arrivals and a clear roadmap for the integration of these applicants. "It cannot be that the Ministry distributes these people without considering the real capacities of the municipality," the mayor stressed.
As Figueres becomes a regular recipient of asylum seekers, Masquef highlighted how this negatively impacts already vulnerable neighbourhoods. Some are considered among the poorest in Catalonia and lack the necessary resources to cater to both their own citizens and the newcomers.
The mayor concluded his statement by asserting that it is imperative to find effective solutions to prevent further aggravation of the social situation in Figueres. The lack of adequate funding for municipalities is one of the main obstacles identified by Masquef, who advocates for greater state investment in public services.
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