A new beginning without Ada Colau
The members of Barcelona en Comú have marked the beginning of a new political chapter in the city council, from the iconic superilla of the Eixample, an initiative that gained strength during the previous mandate. This time, the meeting has taken place at a time of transition, as Ada Colau approaches her retirement from the municipal group and active politics, to devote herself to redefining the project of the communes and the parties of left
Changes in the management of the municipal group
With Colau’s imminent departure, Janet Sanz will assume leadership of the group, while Gemma Tarafa will become the new spokesperson. Jordi Rabassa, former councilor of Ciutat Vella, will take over from Colau. Sanz has emphasized that, beyond this restructuring, the group is prepared to stand firm in opposition to the current government of Jaume Collboni.
An active and demanding opposition
Janet Sanz has stressed that the nine councilors of Barcelona in Comú have no intention of integrating into the current government. Instead, they pledge to exercise an active and demanding opposition, with a special focus on the upcoming municipal elections in 2027. Sanz has revealed that, as Colau anticipated, the group has already started talks to negotiate the 2025 budget with the government of the PSC.
Key proposals for a sustainable city model
From the superilla, Sanz has warned that BComú was only 300 votes short of the PSC in the last municipal elections, a fact they want to take advantage of to influence next year’s budget. Its city model is based on three main axes: reducing tourism, expanding the super-blocks and improving public transport, as well as the implementation of social measures to make life in Barcelona more affordable.
Outstanding measures for housing and tourism
Among the proposals that Barcelona en Comú has put on the table for budget negotiations, Sanz highlighted two key initiatives. The first is the proposal to eliminate seasonal rentals through a modification of the General Metropolitan Plan, which would allow all apartments in the city to be qualified as permanent housing, thus contributing to better regulation of rental prices.
The second proposal involves the reduction of cruise terminals in the Port of Barcelona. The commons have asked the government of Collboni to start talks to close two of the seven current terminals, with the aim of limiting the arrival of tourists by sea and mitigating the impact of mass tourism.
A future in negotiation
Sanz has confirmed that the talks for the 2025 budget have already begun, including a first meeting with Jordi Valls, Deputy Mayor of Economy and Finance. This new stage for Barcelona en Comú not only represents a change in leadership, but also an opportunity to reimagine the future of the city, with a more sustainable and socially responsible approach.
