Intellectuals and Opposition Parties Reject Eviction of Casa Árabe in Madrid

More than 300 intellectuals from 40 countries and opposition parties in Madrid have condemned the decision of Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida to evict Casa Árabe from its historic headquarters at Escuelas Aguirre, demanding revocation of the order. The deadline for the institution to vacate the premises is set for September 1.

What happened

On June 29, Almeida announced plans to recover the building citing structural problems and poor conservation. Casa Árabe has operated for 20 years as a cultural bridge between Spain and the Arab world.

The reaction

• Over 300 intellectuals from 40 countries signed a petition urging the City Council to reverse the eviction, emphasizing Casa Árabe's role in intercultural dialogue and warning against polarization. Source: infobae
• PSOE and Más Madrid called the decision "partisan" and driven by "cultural sectarianism." Source: lavanguardia
• PSOE spokesperson Reyes Maroto warned of an "institutional conflict" with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and potential damage to diplomatic ties. Source: lavanguardia
• Más Madrid's Rita Maestre likened the move to previous attacks on cultural institutions like the Ateneo de Madrid. Source: lavanguardia

Mayor Almeida defends the eviction on safety grounds, but opponents argue the reasoning is politically motivated.