Residents of the San Francisco neighborhood in Bilbao were compelled to cancel a community assembly organized to address the area's challenges. According to the organizers, the decision was made out of "social responsibility" due to a counter-demonstration called by opposing groups at the same time and location.
The meeting was scheduled to take place at the civic center in Corazón de María Square. However, a call circulated on social media by "anti-system groups," accusing the residents of being "racist" and "playing into the hands of fascist parties," created an atmosphere of potential confrontation. Both the Municipal Police and the Ertzaintza had prepared a special security operation for the area in anticipation of unrest.
“"We have canceled the apolitical neighborhood assembly that we had called to discuss the problems of the neighborhood, out of social responsibility. We cannot put residents at risk. But we will hold it later in another location."
Residents have consistently reported drug trafficking, dirt, and uncivil behavior in the neighborhood, as well as an illegal street market on Cortes Street. These complaints, often documented with videos on platforms like Instagram, have gained significant attention. They have initiated discussions with the Bilbao City Council to seek solutions. After the assembly was called, flyers appeared in Bilbao la Vieja and San Francisco accusing them of being "racist" and promoting an "anti-migrant campaign."
The neighborhood association states that "drug traffickers have taken over our streets" and that "insecurity has worsened in recent months, with assaults, knife fights, and challenges to the Police." They demand the opening of investigations into establishments that violate regulations and tolerate drug trafficking, the creation of a control center for video surveillance cameras, and the relocation of the junkyard to a non-residential area.
