Vitoria Eviction: Police Clash with Protesters During Tense Standoff

Vitoria Eviction: Police Deploy as Occupiers Face Removal A tense standoff unfolded in Vitoria's Casco Viejo district on June 4th, 2025, as police evicted occupants from a municipally-owned building on Pintorería street. The building served as a hub for various neighborhood collectives. The Ertzaintza, the Basque Country's regional police force, established a significant presence, blocking off the area from midnight onwards. Videos circulating on social media show a line of riot police facing a crowd of onlookers. One eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, described the scene as "very intense." Another local resident stated, "It's sad to see this happen, especially as the building housed groups that contributed to the community." The eviction was met with protests from some residents. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding housing and social spaces in Vitoria. The city council has yet to release an official statement explaining the reasons behind the eviction. However, the incident underscores the complexities of urban development and the challenges faced by activist collectives in securing spaces for their activities.