The Mossos internally ask to have a low profile and be sensitive with teacher strikes

BarcelonaTeachers' protests have been going on for months at various points in Catalonia, with blockades on the country's main roads and numerous slow marches through the capitals of each province. Although some of these blockades and obstructions have seen tense scenes with drivers who were trapped, the vast majority of mobilizations have passed without incident. All, however, have been closely monitored by agents of the Mossos d'Esquadra, deployed to ensure that there were no significant disruptions. These agents, normally public order officers, have had the directive during the latest protests to be especially sensitive to these mobilizations, according to sources consulted by ARA.

to launch a pilot plan to place agents in schoolsIn fact, during teachers' protests, frequent shouts against the Catalan police are heard, and calls for the resignation of the Minister of the Interior, Núria Parlon, and the police director, Josep Lluís Trapero, have also been made. Precisely because the Mossos are also one of the focuses of the demonstrations, this internal directive to be more patient has arrived. Or, for example, to have a lower profile during road blockades, being less interventionist. However, the same sources emphasize that there have been no violent situations or critical incidents that would have required police intervention.

The tensions between the Mossos and the teachers date back to the end of April, when the Government's intention to launch a pilot plan to place officers in schools became known. The criticism from educational unions, but also from teachers and various school administrations, was immediate. This plan has even generated internal criticism within the Mossos regarding the way it has been communicated to the force.

The turning point

The conflict, however, worsened when the Catalan police admitted that they had infiltrated two female officers into an assembly of teachers who were preparing future strikes, precisely to carry out a risk assessment. Then, Parlon and Trapero appeared in Parliament, apologized, and admitted the mistake. In fact, sources consulted by ARA admitted that in recent years this police practice of infiltration had been very infrequent, especially in union circles.

However, the infiltration was precisely the turning point that led the Mossos to issue an internal directive to maintain a lower profile in teacher demonstrations to avoid confrontations. For now, pending confirmation of the union agreement, mobilizations continue.