The Community of Madrid on 29 September 2026 wrote to the Delegación del Gobierno in Madrid, asking it to clear the protest camp at Puerta del Sol within 48 hours. The regional government justified its request in the Real Casa de Correos by citing disruption to businesses and residents. However, any decision on action by the state security forces rests with the Delegación del Gobierno.
On 30 September, Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida expanded on his warnings to the media. He said that loose paving stones, knives with long blades and cooking equipment had been found on and around the square, among other things. He described the situation as a threat to public order. This account is based on his public statements; the Delegación del Gobierno had not confirmed it or announced any operational plans by the time of publication.
The protest camp was set up following the forced eviction of an 87-year-old woman and is protesting against housing shortages and rising rents. Representatives of the Sindicato de Inquilinas and other supporting groups say the gathering is peaceful and necessary to put political pressure on the authorities. The city council group Más Madrid called on the state representative to prevent threats against camp participants and not to implement the regional government’s eviction order.
Responsibility is clearly divided by law: public safety in the city Madrid is the responsibility of the state police, under the direction of the Delegación del Gobierno; the city administration is responsible for public-order matters and the Policía Municipal. The Comunidad de Madrid has no police force of its own and can therefore make a request but not issue an order. Any intervention requires a decision by the state authorities, who must weigh factors including the level of risk, the right to assemble and proportionality.
Possible outcomes range from a police eviction to restrictions on the assembly or the camp remaining in place subject to conditions. The regional government has threatened legal action if the Delegación del Gobierno does not comply with its request. The dispute has once again put housing provision in Madrid in the spotlight: while the Comunidad de Madrid points to disruption and safety risks, campaign groups and some opposition parties stress the social dimension of the protests.
The request made by the Comunidad de Madrid on 29 September 2026 and the mayor’s statements made public on 30 September are confirmed. The findings cited by José Luis Martínez-Almeida have not yet been confirmed by the Delegación del Gobierno.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).