The Valencia Local Police has sent a letter to the Sub-delegation of the Government requesting "the intervention that proceeds with the utmost possible speed" regarding the teachers' encampment currently occupying Plaza de la Virgen. The objective is to ensure the proper celebration of the Corpus Christi events.
The municipal document details the timeline of the setup and the events planned for the festival, reminding that overnight stays and encampments in non-designated public spaces "are prohibited by article 32 of the Municipal Ordinance on Parks and Gardens". Furthermore, it alerts to the need to protect the Corpus Rocas, which will be exhibited from June 5th, due to "their extraordinary artistic value".
The Government Sub-delegation, for its part, has insisted that the competence for removing elements from public roads lies with the City Council itself, according to article 12 of the ordinance regulating public domain occupation. It also clarifies that State Security Forces and Corps only have the authority to directly disperse gatherings when there are public order disturbances posing a danger to people or property.
However, the Delegation has added that, "given the possibility of the camp being dismantled", the National Police will act in collaboration with the Local Police to guarantee the security of the collection and cleaning services. The letter from the Government's sub-delegate also warns that a "forced eviction" could entail "a high risk of serious disturbances and physical confrontations", for which reason such measures "must be weighed and evaluated" technically before undertaking them.
Both administrations continue to pass the buck regarding responsibilities. The City Council argues that it is an extension of the teachers' protest and, therefore, the National Police Corps is competent. The Delegation, however, maintains that the removal of tents from public space is an exclusive competence of the Local Police.




