Badr El Merroun, 19 years old, homeless: 'They took my things three times in a month and I'm losing my life'

In February, a document emerged confirming a new directive issued by the Madrid City Council regarding its approach to cleaning operations in areas where homeless individuals reside. According to this internal record, dated February 10, officials instructed their staff not to notify homeless residents beforehand when they were scheduled to clean these zones. This marked a shift from previous procedures, which had included informing individuals so they could collect their belongings before the cleanup took place.

The decision was made during a meeting attended by the coordinator and leadership of the Street Teams under the city council’s administration. The directive outlined a change in policy, moving away from prior practices that allowed homeless people time to retrieve their possessions. Instead, the new order mandated that cleanups would occur without advance notice. This change has sparked controversy and concern among those affected by the policy.

The directive was confirmed through an official acta, or minutes, obtained by El País, which detailed the discussions held on February 10. The document indicated that the city's approach to managing homelessness had evolved significantly. Previously, city workers had informed individuals about upcoming cleanups, giving them the opportunity to gather their belongings and avoid losing essential items. However, under the new guidelines, such notifications have been eliminated entirely.

The mayor of Madrid addressed concerns raised by media outlets and critics, stating that the city did not take personal belongings from homeless individuals and emphasized that their rights were being respected. He also expressed ignorance regarding how much advance warning, if any, was previously given to homeless residents. His comments came amid growing criticism over the implementation of the new policy.

Among those directly impacted by the changes is Badr El Merroun, a 19-year-old Moroccan national living in Madrid. He resides in a park within the Las Rosas neighborhood and has experienced the consequences of the new cleaning protocols firsthand. In the past month alone, he has lost his clothing, sleeping bag, tent, documents related to a commerce course he was attending, and a necklace gifted to him by his mother as a keepsake.

El Merroun described the situation as devastating, emphasizing that the loss of material possessions has taken a toll on his emotional well-being. "It's not just about the things I've lost," he said. "I'm losing my life." His experience highlights the broader implications of the policy change, particularly for individuals who rely on their few belongings for survival and dignity.

The policy shift has drawn attention from both local and national media, with reports focusing on the human impact of such decisions. Critics argue that the lack of notification undermines efforts to provide support and stability to homeless populations. They suggest that the new approach may exacerbate existing challenges faced by individuals without permanent housing, making it even more difficult for them to access necessary resources and services.

As the debate continues, the city council faces increasing pressure to reconsider its stance. Advocacy groups and community leaders have called for transparency and accountability, urging authorities to ensure that policies align with principles of respect and human dignity. Meanwhile, the future of the directive remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions likely to shape the direction of Madrid’s response to homelessness in the coming months.