Fact Check: On June 15, 2025, protesters in Barcelona, Spain, used water guns against tourists to demand a rethink of the economic model they believe is causing a housing crisis.

Fact Check: "On June 15, 2025, protesters in Barcelona, Spain, used water guns against tourists to demand a rethink of the economic model they believe is causing a housing crisis."

What We Know

On June 15, 2025, protests occurred in Barcelona, Spain, where demonstrators used water guns against tourists. This event was part of a larger movement across southern Europe aimed at addressing the negative impacts of mass tourism, particularly its contribution to rising housing costs and the erosion of local culture. According to a report by the New York Times, protesters carried signs with messages like “Tourists go home” and “Tourism is stealing from us,” indicating their discontent with the current tourism model. The protests were organized by the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification, which has been vocal about the detrimental effects of tourism on local communities, including high housing costs and environmental degradation.

In addition to Barcelona, similar protests took place in Mallorca, where thousands gathered to express their grievances against overtourism and its impact on housing availability. A spokesperson for the group Less Tourism, More Life, highlighted that the current tourism model does not foster economic prosperity but rather exacerbates housing crises (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that protesters in Barcelona used water guns against tourists on June 15, 2025, is supported by multiple credible sources. Both the New York Times and AP News reported on the protests, detailing how demonstrators aimed water guns at tourists as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the housing crisis linked to mass tourism. The use of water guns has been noted as a recurring theme in protests against overtourism, representing the frustration of locals who feel marginalized in their own cities.

The sources provide a consistent narrative about the motivations behind the protests, emphasizing the belief among residents that the economic model driven by tourism is unsustainable and harmful. The protests are framed not as an attack on tourists themselves but rather as a critique of the economic structures that prioritize tourist interests over local needs (AP News). The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in journalism and their commitment to reporting on social issues.

However, it is important to note that while the protests were significant, reactions from tourists varied. Some tourists expressed frustration at being targeted, indicating a complex dynamic between local residents and visitors (AP News). This nuance is essential in understanding the broader implications of the protests and the ongoing tensions surrounding tourism in urban areas.

Conclusion

The claim that on June 15, 2025, protesters in Barcelona used water guns against tourists to demand a rethink of the economic model causing a housing crisis is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that this event occurred as part of a larger movement addressing the adverse effects of mass tourism on local communities. The protests reflect a growing discontent among residents regarding the sustainability of their cities in the face of increasing tourist numbers and rising living costs.

Fact Check: On June 15, 2025, protesters in Barcelona, Spain, used water guns against tourists to demand a rethink of the economic model they believe is causing a housing crisis.