A community on alert
Recently, residents of a building in the center of Berga have experienced a series of disturbing events, with five attempted occupations thwarted in just four days. This situation, which has generated great concern among residents, has been documented by local media such as Televisió del Berguedà.
Invasion tactics
Squatters use direct techniques to gain access to properties, such as forcing open the front door or climbing facades to access balconies. These actions occur both at night and during the day, which has caused a state of alarm among the residents.
A constant struggle
The first of these raids took place last Friday, and residents immediately alerted the authorities, who quickly intervened. Despite efforts to seal the entrances, the squatters tried again, even after being evicted by the police. The situation escalated to the point that residents had to mobilize to defend their homes.
The social impact of the occupation
Social services offered support to the squatters, who left the building. However, the next day, the situation was repeated with a new invasion attempt, this time with a more risky tactic: breaking a window to gain access to the property. Neighbors, concerned for their safety, have lodged complaints with the police station, asking for a firmer response from the authorities.
A growing phenomenon in Catalonia
Catalonia has witnessed a significant increase in squatting in recent years, with the region leading the number of incidents at state level. A recent report from the Ministry of the Interior indicates that Catalonia represents approximately 40% of the squatting that occurs daily throughout Spain.
Factors contributing to the crisis
The roots of this phenomenon go back to the 2008 housing crisis, which created a favorable climate for squatting activism, seen by some as a solution to housing difficulties. Movements such as the Platform of Those Affected by Mortgages (PAH) have contributed to legitimizing these actions, although the results have not been as expected.
Shared responsibility
The situation in Berga exemplifies how communities have been forced to defend their rights in the face of a larger crisis that affects all of Catalonia. With police support, residents are determined to protect their properties, reflecting an urgent need for long-term solutions to tackle the housing problem.
Looking to the future
As squatting continues to be a hot topic in Catalonia, it is essential to seek comprehensive solutions that address both the lack of housing and the needs of the affected communities. Collaboration between residents and authorities is presented as a key to addressing this complex situation.