The Calafell council explained that, despite the efforts of social services, no one can be forced to leave the streets or enter a center without their own consent. This situation causes “understandable indignation” among residents, particularly during periods of low temperatures.
“"But it is radically false that municipal social services have not intervened. Quite the opposite, they have done everything they could within the margins of the law."
The Deputy Mayor for Social Rights, Helena Rubio, noted that, in some cases, they have managed to get individuals to accept food, water, or warm clothing, often with the help of NGOs. However, these actions only mitigate the situation without solving the underlying problem.
The only way to force relocation is through judicial intervention, requested by social services via official reports. Nevertheless, Rubio asserts that the judicial decision “is negative or takes a long time,” as judges assess whether the decision to live on the street is a free choice and not influenced by any circumstance. If deemed a personal option, it cannot be contradicted.
