Save Europe Act's ultra rally hits Barcelona with just a few dozen people gathered

The Save Europe Act, a far-right group known for its anti-immigration stance, held its first public gathering in Spain this Saturday in Barcelona, drawing only a handful of participants. The event, organized as part of their European Shield tour, was met with strong opposition from hundreds of antifascists who gathered in the Plaza Sant Jaume, the heart of the city. Despite efforts by organizers to attract attendees, the demonstration failed to gain traction, highlighting the growing resistance to far-right ideologies in Spain. The Save Europe Act, which advocates for mass repatriation of migrants, had planned to hold rallies in several cities across Europe, starting from Utrecht in the Netherlands, moving through Antwerp in Belgium, and continuing to Lyon and Lille in France. However, authorities in France prohibited these gatherings due to fears of violent clashes. In Spain, despite calls from left-wing groups such as the CUP and the Comuns for a ban, the event proceeded in Barcelona, set to be followed by another in Madrid on August 26. The low turnout underscored the limited support for the movement among the general public. Organizers of the Save Europe Act, including representatives from the Spanish far-right group Reconquista linked to Vox, deployed a large banner measuring 20 meters by 20 meters (400 square meters) to draw attention to their cause. The banner bore the slogan “Remigration saves Europe,” one of the key messages of the group. Among the attendees were figures such as Alberto Tarradas, a Vox representative in the Catalan Parliament, and other members of the far-right network. Their speeches included inflammatory rhetoric against immigration, calling for the expulsion of non-European migrants and accusing the media of being complicit in what they describe as a “cultural invasion.” Antifascist protesters, numbering over 300, occupied the same plaza earlier in the day, forming a counter-protest against the far-right gathering. Police intervened to prevent confrontations, setting up barriers to separate the two groups. The presence of both sides in the central square, near the Barcelona City Council and the Catalan government offices, highlighted the tension surrounding the issue of migration in the region. The Save Europe Act’s ideology is rooted in the belief that European societies face existential threats from mass immigration, particularly from non-Western countries. They advocate for policies that would allow the deportation of individuals deemed “non-integrated” or economically burdensome, even those living legally in the EU. This approach has been described as racist and xenophobic, with critics arguing that it promotes a vision of Europe as a homogeneous, white-dominated society. The group's proposals were formally submitted to the European Commission in June 2026, but were rejected as “manifestly contrary to the values of the Union.” Support for the Save Europe Act comes primarily from far-right political parties, including Vox in Spain and the Austrian Martin Sellner and Dutch Eva Vlaardingerbroek, who have long promoted exclusionary immigration policies. In Spain, the movement has found backing within Vox, though the party itself has not publicly endorsed the specific event in Barcelona. The group’s influence extends beyond politics into grassroots activism, with young activists playing a prominent role in organizing and promoting its agenda. The controversy surrounding the Save Europe Act has intensified amid the ongoing crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish territory near Morocco where tensions between residents and migrant arrivals have escalated. Local authorities have faced criticism for their handling of the situation, with some accusing them of adopting policies that align with far-right narratives. Meanwhile, progressive organizations and leftist politicians continue to push back against the spread of xenophobic discourse, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and humane immigration policies. The police presence during the event reflected the heightened security concerns associated with the far-right movement. The Barcelona City Council has stated that while freedom of assembly is protected, it will not tolerate hate speech or acts of racism. Authorities have warned that any incitement to violence or discrimination could lead to legal consequences. The upcoming rally in Madrid is expected to see similar levels of confrontation, given the polarized climate around migration issues in Spain and across Europe.