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Sánchez calls Barcelona unrest ‘pure vandalism’ and vows zero tolerance
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the unrest in Barcelona, after which around 130 people were detained and about 30 stores were looted, was not an act of democracy but “pure vandalism stoked online.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the unrest that took place in Barcelona over the weekend “pure vandalism” and vowed “zero tolerance” for violence.
“What we saw in Barcelona this weekend was not an act of democracy, but pure vandalism stoked online. An investigation is underway, and the 128 detainees will face justice. The government’s position is clear: zero tolerance for violence and full support for police officers and shopkeepers,” Sánchez said.
How it began
On Saturday, students gathered at Plaça de Catalunya in central Barcelona following a call circulated online. The demonstration escalated into clashes with the Catalan police force Mossos d'Esquadra, and about 30 stores around the square were looted.
After Sánchez’s statement, Catalan authorities clarified that the number of detainees had risen to 130, including 76 minors. Fifteen police officers were injured, while damage to municipal property was estimated at 36,000 euros.
Calls spread through TikTok
Catalonia’s interior minister, Nuria Parlon, said the calls were initially circulated on TikTok by organizers using false names, who then redirected participants to mass chats containing instructions. Authorities asked WhatsApp and Telegram to shut down groups calling for violence and warned that zero tolerance would be applied to a new demonstration scheduled for Saturday, October 31.
Barcelona City Hall established a 500,000-euro fund to assist affected stores. Government representative Elma Saiz distinguished the unrest from lawful protests related to education and housing, and said the parents of detained minors would be held responsible.
Several ministers blamed the far right, while opposition People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused the government of increasing social tensions. The events took place about a month before Spain’s general election, scheduled for November 29.
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