Part 8/10:
Protests in other cities—Barcelona, Berlin, and beyond—echo similar concerns over mass tourism, high housing costs, and cultural integrity. These are not isolated phenomena but part of a global pattern where cities, especially those with historical charm and affordable costs, are becoming battlegrounds over who belongs and who’s pushed out.
The Cultural and Economic Dynamics at Play
The influx of foreigners brings economic benefits: increased consumption, new businesses, and investment. But it also leads to increased property values, displacement, and cultural shifts. The locals feel the pressure of their neighborhoods transforming into havens for wealthy outsiders, often resulting in protests, sometimes turning violent.