The award, granted by the State Association of Directors and Managers of Social Services, recognized the actions of the mayor of Badalona with an overwhelming 74.6% of the votes from members and sympathizers. The entity emphasizes that the distinction is due to management "marked by social insensitivity".
The main reason cited by the association is the decision by the municipal government (led by the PP) to evict dozens of migrants sheltering in the B9 building without offering any social services alternative. This action left the affected individuals in a situation of extreme vulnerability, especially during the winter.
“"The images from recent days show an absolute lack of empathy towards people who, simply for lacking documentation, seem not to even have the right to exist."
The association regrets that Badalona, which had previously been a benchmark in social policies, is now an example of "helplessness and cruel treatment towards the most fragile groups". The award, instituted in 2013, consists of a stone heart-shaped trophy that the entity will request to deliver to the mayor personally.
In the ranking, Juan Antonio Reig Pla, Bishop Emeritus of Alcalá de Henares, and Severa González López, Mayor of Jumilla, placed second and third, respectively, for actions also deemed insensitive towards vulnerable groups.
