The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's police force, has implicitly admitted that two intelligence agents infiltrated a teachers' assembly in Barcelona on 8 May 2026. The meeting, held at the Institut Pau Claris, was organised by the Education Consortium and Barcelonès to prepare for teaching strike mobilisations.
Following public outcry, the police directorate, led by Josep Lluís Trapero, issued a statement. It claimed the infiltration was not a "discretionary decision" but a "regulatory obligation" to "assess threats and risks".
Police Justify Infiltration
The Mossos directorate stated that its general information commissioner's office is legally tasked with collecting and processing operational information related to "labour and social conflict". They cited the 2023 police restructuring decree, specifically Article 109, which outlines this function. The article states the commissioner's office should "collect and process operational information related to labour and social conflict and institutional activity, in order to carry out an assessment of threats and risks."
However, the decree does not specify the methods for obtaining this information, such as agent infiltration. This lack of explicit authorisation for infiltration is at the heart of the controversy, leading to calls for Trapero's resignation from political parties and striking unions.
In their statement, the Mossos reiterated a message previously shared on X (formerly Twitter). They affirmed that the force "works and will work to guarantee the free right to assembly and demonstration, as well as other related rights." They added that the Mossos d'Esquadra "always carry out their functions and responsibilities in accordance with current legislation and their assigned competencies."
Agents Discovered by Teachers
Teachers present at the Education Consortium and Barcelonès assembly reported recognising the two police officers from previous demonstrations. When questioned, the agents claimed to work at an educational centre within the consortium. However, a teacher from that specific centre was present and denied their claim. Once discovered, the agents left the assembly.
This incident has intensified the debate around police surveillance of social movements. Further discussions are expected regarding the interpretation of police powers and the methods used to gather information on labour and social conflicts.
