The post by Javier García Albiol, the mayor of Badalona, Barcelona, about the People’s Party (PP), sparked widespread controversy on social media after he announced the arrest of a Moroccan man who attacked an 81-year-old woman in the Llefià neighborhood and robbed her of her handbag.
According to the post, one of Albiol’s personal bodyguards from the urban guard police chased the perpetrator, aided by a citizen who helped catch him. The mayor posted a picture of the suspect inside a police car, praising the courage of the security officer and the assisting citizen.
Albiol described the assailant as “human scum” for targeting a defenseless elderly woman, stating, “If it were up to me, I would send him back to Morocco swimming.”
He criticized the policies of the current Spanish government which, in his view, allow the quick release of offenders.
Controversy Over Accusations of Racism and Hate
The post, which garnered millions of views, elicited mixed reactions. Leftist activists and users accused Albiol of racism and “hate against migrants,” arguing that his identification of the perpetrator’s nationality (Moroccan) and his call for immediate deportation reflect an anti-foreigner discourse.
Some described the post as “provocative” and “inappropriate for a public official.”
On the other hand, the mayor’s supporters defended his stance, asserting that the issue is about crime and public safety, not race or nationality. Many said that the focus should be on protecting elderly citizens from repeated thefts, especially amid rising crime rates linked to certain illegal immigrants in some neighborhoods.
Albiol’s Security Campaign
The incident comes as part of an ongoing campaign led by Albiol to combat street crime in Badalona, which has seen an increase in incidents of theft and assaults on the elderly. The mayor enjoys notable public support due to his firm positions on order and security issues.
