Politics · Spain · 1 day ago
Police monitor radical groups around Madrid housing protest camp
A housing protest camp at Puerta del Sol in Madrid has continued for three weeks since the eviction of Maricarmen, an 87-year-old woman who later died in hospital.
The camp began with many members of the Tenants’ Union, but police say groups linked to the Socialist Youth Coordinator have since become more prominent.
Police are monitoring radical groups because they fear clashes between groups with opposing views could happen again.
On October 3, a clash involving members of the far-right Núcleo Nacional and the youth group led to three Núcleo Nacional supporters being arrested.
Police say there have been no serious incidents inside the camp, which Madrid’s High Court has allowed to remain in place.
The protests also followed the rejection of government housing decrees in parliament, after which elections were called for November 29.
Police unions say tensions at demonstrations are rising while officers face several demands on their resources.
Police are monitoring radical groups around a peaceful housing protest camp at Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, which has been running for three weeks.
Police sources say they are concerned that groups with opposing ideologies could clash again.
On 3 October, police arrested three Núcleo Nacional sympathizers after a confrontation with members of the Coordinadora Juvenil Socialista.
The camp began after the eviction of Maricarmen and amid protests over the government’s failed housing decrees.
The Madrid regional high court upheld the camp against requests for authorities to order its removal.
- Who
- Police are monitoring radical groups around the camp, including members of the Coordinadora Juvenil Socialista and Núcleo Nacional.
- What
- Police are concerned about possible clashes between groups with opposing ideologies.
- When
- The camp began on 26 September 2026 and had continued for three weeks by 10 October.
- Where
- Puerta del Sol, Madrid, with protests also taking place near the Congress of Deputies.
- Why
- The camp followed the eviction of Maricarmen and protests over housing policy. Police say they want to prevent further clashes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We are seeing tensions rise at demonstrations and certain opposing groups seeking confrontation. We cannot allow police officers to end up bearing the consequences of insufficient planning.
PSOE and Sumar, responsible for our misery
The housing protest camp began at Puerta del Sol, initially with many members of the Tenants’ Union.
Campers marched peacefully near the Congress of Deputies as lawmakers rejected housing decrees.
Police arrested three Núcleo Nacional sympathizers after a clash with members of the Coordinadora Juvenil Socialista.
The camp marked three weeks of protests as police monitored radical groups nearby.
- Location
- Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Camp start
- 26 September 2026
- Protest duration
- Three weeks by 10 October 2026
- Arrests
- Three Núcleo Nacional sympathizers
- Election date
- 29 November
Sources
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