During the 37th America’s Cup celebration in Barcelona on September 7, 2024, police officers cordoned off a section of Somorrostro Beach, where a peaceful demonstration in support of the local neighborhood had been announced, and initially prevented members of the “No Copa América” platform from entering the sea.

• How dare they usurp the sea — which belongs to everyone — for an exclusive, private event?
• Why did they dare to allocate public funds to an elite competition, far removed from the real life and needs of Barcelona?
• How were they able to construct the lie that the America’s Cup is “strategic” for the city, while the people of Barcelona suffer the brutal consequences of real estate speculation that this event only accelerates?
• Since when has “progress” in Barcelona meant evicting its residents to make way for the elite?
• Is this the future of Barcelona — a city surrendered to the whims of luxury tourism and property speculation?

Mr. Collboni, this is not the stance of a socialist force. It is the stance of a neoliberal agenda that puts private profits above public wellbeing.

@jcollboni
@nocopaamerica