Andrea Rizzi: “Las protestas en Europa revelan el rechazo a un sistema que margina a buena parte de la población"

Shopkeepers in central Barcelona have prepared for another night of unrest by arming themselves with baseball bats and installing reinforced security measures. Following clashes last Saturday involving hooded youths and police, business owners in the Gothic Quarter, Passeig de Gracia, and Rambla Catalunya are planning to remain open despite the threats. Many intend to stockpile inventory in back rooms after dark and maintain armed watch until dawn. A sports apparel owner stated that she and her husband would protect their livelihoods, noting that while they will open for business during the day, they will secure the premises immediately once night falls. She emphasized that this Saturday is a crucial commercial day and that they are better equipped than before. The atmosphere among merchants is one of defensive solidarity. Gabriel Jane, president of Barcelona Oberta, an association representing the city’s main commercial axes, noted that customers are currently receiving their paychecks and tourists are still present in the city. Although the September spending crunch has passed, he described the upcoming weekend as fundamental for retailers to survive financially. While some shops may close, the vast majority plan to operate unless authorities explicitly order otherwise. Employees at a metal shutter company working on a shop on Carrer del Pi reported installing approximately six new high-security devices in the area over recent days. One worker explained that standard shutters can be easily breached with a crowbar, but deep-set guides make the locks significantly harder to defeat quickly. He confirmed that these installations were driven directly by the recent disturbances. In the Plaza Catalunya area, the aftermath of last Saturday’s violence remains visible. Two large umbrellas belonging to the Zurich cafe, which were set on fire during the riots, are still standing. Andreu Valldeperas, who manages the cafe, said the establishment will open because the weekend represents one of the best sales periods of the year. However, he acknowledged that the location is the epicenter of the conflict. Staff will monitor the situation closely and close immediately if any threat emerges. They aim to avoid further damage to the property. The burned umbrellas are being left in place pending an assessment by an insurance expert, though management wishes to remove them soon due to the negative image they project for both the business and the city. Sources within the Barcelona Restaurant Guild indicated that most members in the center intend to serve customers and set up terraces. Like other sectors, they plan to close rapidly if danger approaches. The restaurant industry was the harshest critic of how public administrations handled last Saturday’s events. Many workers expressed frustration that so many young people could overwhelm the capabilities of the Mossos d’Esquadra and the Urban Guard. These criticisms are often voiced quietly. Javier Cottet, of the Ottics Cottet chain with locations on Rambla Catalunya, stated that the damage had already been done but affirmed his intention to open. The Barcelona Restaurant Guild issued a formal statement criticizing the handling of the disturbances. The organization attributed the thefts and violence to an incorrect risk assessment and insufficient police response. In a written release, the guild complained that no administration contacted them to warn about the planned protests or to check on the safety of staff inside establishments. The guild argued that intelligence teams should not have missed the call for demonstrations, implying that the risk was underestimated. Consequently, the deployed security measures were inadequate. The guild expressed disappointment in what it described as a chain of errors by officials responsible for public order. The guild urged the City Council to intervene to defend private property that was vandalized, not just public assets. It demanded that the administration immediately assume the cost of repairs. The statement clarified that these costs would later be recovered through legal proceedings against those directly involved in the destruction. This demand reflects a broader sentiment among businesses that feel abandoned by official protection efforts during the chaos. Contextual analysis from international observers suggests these events fit a wider pattern of social tension in Europe. Andrea Rizzi, a correspondent and author, noted that protests in France reveal rejection of systems that marginalize parts of the population. He observed that French society suffers from long-standing integration issues, particularly regarding immigrants, which fuel periodic outbreaks of violence and looting. While Spain’s reality differs somewhat due to closer linguistic and cultural ties with Latin American immigration, Rizzi warned that historical comparisons require time. He highlighted that the magnitude and intensity of recent French protests surprised even security forces. He distinguished between civic protesters and the minority resorting to violence, labeling the latter as unacceptable. Rizzi identified four main groups participating in European street movements: students demanding educational improvements, urban classes struggling with immediate cost-of-living pressures, and remnants of the yellow vest movement from rural areas. He argued that the current unrest stems from present-day dissatisfaction with living standards rather than future opportunities. Despite the differences between national contexts, the underlying theme remains a failure of social integration and economic inclusion. Business leaders in Barcelona echo similar sentiments locally, citing rising rents and lack of adequate security as primary drivers for their defensive posture. As night approaches, the focus shifts to practical survival strategies for the retail sector. The installation of robust hardware and the willingness to stand guard indicate a shift in operational norms. Merchants view the coming hours as a test of resilience. The combination of financial necessity and physical vulnerability creates a tense environment in the historic core of the city. Police presence levels and the behavior of crowds will determine whether the precautions taken by shopkeepers prove effective or if further incidents occur. The interplay between commercial activity and civil disorder continues to define the daily rhythm of the district.