Spain's Cadena Ser radio station reported this morning that French authorities have warned the Spanish government that French 'anti-state' activists plan to congregate in Barcelona in an effort to spark violence here.
It is believed that anti-globalisation protesters may try to instigate violence in the city during the Euromediterranean Summit which takes place on the 27th-29th of this month. French police agents have intercepted text messages and phone calls calling for people to "Continue the French revolt in Barcelona".
The suggestion behind this is that anarchists are at least seeking to capitalise on the French disturbances. It could also mean that anarchists have already been involved in the civil unrest, though the Cadena Ser report stops short of making that claim. It wouldn't surprise many people, though, if it were found that left-wing elements had been helping in the instigation and organisation of the French riots. On the other hand, perhaps this is a cynical attempt to deny the mainly north African rioters the 'credit' for organising things themselves.
Also, let's remember that Barcelona is currently awash with Italian anarchists who have fled here to avoid Silvio Berlusconi's increasingly paranoid and aggressive regime. Is it possible that something like the Euromediterranean Summit could ever happen here without some trouble and violence ocurring?
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...a blog by Tom Clarke in Barcelona, Catalonia, covering politics, culture and society