French activist Bouteldja to speak at Barcelona's READ 2026

French decolonial activist Houria Bouteldja has been announced as a speaker at READ 2026 in Barcelona this September, according to a post on X highlighting her anti-Western rhetoric. The news has reignited controversy regarding the use of public funds for cultural events.

The decolonial activist **Houria Bouteldja** is listed as a guest at **READ 2026**, a gathering held in **Barcelona** in **September**, according to a publication shared on X. The accompanying text presents her as one of the voices championing a racialized perspective and rejecting the West. This announcement has once again brought to the forefront the debate over who pays for such events and how speakers are selected.

## A career marked by colonial critique

Bouteldja is known for her work with the Party of Natives of the Republic, a French political formation that denounces the treatment of populations of immigrant origin. Her discourse stems from the idea that European societies maintain colonial structures. This stance has made her an uncomfortable figure for much of the French political spectrum.

## The event and public funding

READ is a literary gathering held in Barcelona that receives institutional support. Bouteldja’s presence has caused an uproar among those who believe her views should not be given a platform at an event funded by public money. The post announcing her participation does not detail the fee amount or the specific budget line covering it.

## Controversy over public money in culture

The selection of speakers for culturally significant events funded with public money is a recurring issue. There is no single criterion for which voices deserve such backing. Controversies often depend on the political climate of the moment. In this case, the announcement of Bouteldja’s participation was enough to reopen that discussion.