Recent urban unrest has shaken Spain, with episodes in Barcelona last weekend and in Bilbao on Monday, culminating in dozens of arrests, including many minors. The events have inflamed the political confrontation in the pre-campaign period, generating mutual accusations among parties, according to RTVE. In Bilbao, 19 people were detained; in Barcelona, 128 arrests were made for looting and clashes.

Minister Planas has condemned the violence, denying government loss of control and accusing right-wing polarization. The leader of the PP, Feijóo, has condemned the events in Bilbao, blaming the “violent left” and promising harsher penalties for incitement via social media, criticizing the Minister of the Interior, RTVE reports.

The spokesperson for the PSOE, López, has asked the PP not to “fuel hatred and violence” and called for an investigation into the minors. Verónica Martínez Barbero (Sumar) accused agitators of “destabilizing the campaign”. EH Bildu condemned the violence, warning that it favors the “reactionary bloc” and promoting peaceful responses, according to RTVE.

The mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto (PNV), lamented youth involvement, comparing the events to the “years of lead” (ETA period). He questioned the minors’ environment. The Bilbao city council (except EH Bildu) condemned the unrest in a manifesto, defending dialogue and pro-ETA chants, expressing solidarity with merchants, RTVE documents.