The Bonanova Okupa Protests

These last 3 weeks my walks to school have been distracted by the large, bulky building occupied by the Catalonian squatters, or, the Okupas. The Okupas are a group of "hippies" who have taken over a building in the middle of the Barcelonan square, Bonanova, and have refused to pay rent. Locals are enraged and have gotten the government involved in the dilemma, leading to weeks of tension and police presence.

The problem:

Bonanova is home too many happy families, authentic businesses, and 3 different schools (including La Salle, my university). Children aged 5-24 constantly pass by the Okupas building, which, wouldn't be a problem if there weren't swear words, drugs and constant hardcore music coming from the complex. Not to mention barbed wire, stolen street signs, etc. The people surrounding the neighborhood despise the Okupas causing a final protest last Friday around the square. Many called for forceful action to take place, however, police never actually went into the building, causing a standstill and extending the tension in the area.Spanish laws protect the squatters from being forced out of their shelters and while there have already been skirmishes and violent run-in's between the Okupas and the police, hardly anything has changed and the squatters remain inside the building.

My view on the dilemma:

I've heard various debates supporting both sides. Some side with the Okupas, saying "What happens when their kicked out, where are they going to go". This reminded me of the similar squatting laws in San Francisco during the covid outbreak. Not long ago my family faced a life altering problem with a squatting renter in our residence. Without going into detail, my family and I have developed a deep hatred for these types of people. The Okupas are working class people, they have the money they need, or if they don't, they can easily find jobs around Barcelona to afford decent housing. At this point, the only reason they are continuing to defend their shelter is to prove a point to the government. Essentially stating, "I can do whatever I want, and you can't stop me" and so far, it's worked.

Schools have been closed on numerous occasions, protests are common and violence has ensued on multiple occasions. Spanish laws prevent Spanish officers from entering the complex forcefully, but I think this is the only way to solve the problem if the government wants to maintain safety and fairness in the city of Barcelona.

Thanks for listening

An American Onlooker