Manresa, in central Catalonia, is dealing with public safety concerns, racist rhetoric and questions about social cohesion after a street brawl in September 2023 prompted calls for action from the city council.
The incident, in which young people threw tables and chairs, became a turning point in a city of about 80,000 residents, nearly 22% of whom are foreign-born. Some residents pushed for more security, while others warned against linking insecurity directly to immigration.
In response, the municipal government, led by Republican mayor Marc Aloy and made up of ERC, PSC and Impulsem Manresa, introduced several measures. These included more police presence, security cameras and a Security, Civility and Coexistence Board with municipal groups and local associations. More Catalonia news
According to government data, robberies with violence or intimidation fell by 40% and property occupations by 30% by October 2025. Even so, some residents say they still feel unsafe. Jaume Canudes, president of the Manresa Federation of Neighbourhood Associations, told ARA: “There is still a feeling of crime even if they tell you everything is under control.”
Political divisions remain sharp. Junts per Manresa says the council’s measures are not enough, while Sergi Perramon of Avenç Nacionalista links crime to immigration and calls for tougher action. The CUP rejects both approaches and argues that the city should focus on social policies that address inequality. Catalonia politics
Housing pressure is also part of the picture. In the Old Quarter, the PAHC del Bages housing platform says there are more than 7,000 empty flats. The council plans to invest €25 million from the Neighbourhood Plan and build 120 social housing units. The platform also wants an end to rising evictions, which municipal data says happen at least once a day.
Mayor Aloy has defended the council’s approach and warned against xenophobic narratives. He says the far right blames immigration for everything and spreads false claims. The council says it carried out 1,500 registration inspections in 2025, and it has also expanded school zoning measures, sports scholarships and Catalan language classes for shopkeepers. Anti-racist group Mai Més has meanwhile stepped up its activity, including a demonstration after a racist attack on Muslim women, as Manresa continues to debate how to protect safety without deepening division.