Andalucia’s president Juanma Moreno has warned against a possible ‘contagion effect’ after violent disturbances in several Spanish cities.
Speaking at a press conference in Granada, Moreno condemned the disorder, which he attributed to organised groups, as unjustifiable.
The chaos first began in Barcelona over the weekend, where groups of youths were seen smashing shop windows, looting and setting bins on fire.
Last night, similar incidents were recorded in Bilbao, where cars, motorbikes and more were set on fire by young gangs.
Moreno said the incidents could not be considered demonstrations, describing them instead as violence for its own sake.
Moreno said the unrest was harming the reputation of affected cities and taking a toll on residents and businesses, while undermining coexistence and tolerance.
He called for a collective rejection of the violence, a firm police response and judicial penalties for those responsible.
‘This cannot go unpunished,’ he said.
People who smash shop windows or take goods without paying must face legal consequences, Moreno added, arguing that most Spaniards shared that view.
The regional leader said he hoped the disturbances would not spread to other towns and cities.
He urged police and public authorities to coordinate their response to what he described as ‘absolutely irrational youthful fury’ in parts of the country.
His comments come after calls for gatherings in Marbella and Algeciras circulated online, raising concerns about possible copycat unrest in Andalucia.
Social media analyst Marcelino Madrigal told Cadena SER that both towns were among locations where further gatherings had been promoted following the Barcelona disturbances.
