The homeless population in Barcelona has surged to nearly 2,000, marking a 43% increase since 2023, presenting a critical social and political challenge. The presence of a large settlement in the Zona Franca area has raised health concerns, particularly with issues like an increase in rat populations. In response, the Barcelona City Council and the Zona Franca Consortium have initiated the dismantling of part of this encampment, which housed around 200 individuals, to carry out sanitation work.

The action was publicly addressed by Pere Navarro, the special state delegate for the Zona Franca Consortium, and Sonia Fuertes, the social action commissioner of the Barcelona City Council. They viewed the dismantling as a necessary step to safeguard the health and welfare of both the homeless population and nearby residents. However, the initiative has received criticism from local political figures like Daniel Sirera, leader of the People's Party in Barcelona, who deemed the action insufficient and ineffective in addressing the broader issue of homelessness in the city.

This decision to dismantle part of the settlement reflects ongoing tensions in Barcelona regarding homelessness and public health. While municipal authorities attempt to tackle the immediate dangers of the situation, critics argue that mere dismantling without comprehensive support and housing solutions fails to solve the root causes of homelessness. The future implications of this action could hinge on whether local authorities can develop a robust plan that not only addresses sanitation but also the pressing needs of the homeless population and the community at large.