A Rising Force in Barcelona Politics

Jordi Aragonès, mayoral candidate for Aliança Catalana (AC), is intensifying his campaign for the 2027 Barcelona municipal elections, aiming to break into city politics with a strategy centred on digital outreach and local issues. Though largely unknown to most residents, Aragonès is gaining momentum as polls suggest AC could displace Junts in the capital. According to the Barcelona City Council’s biannual Barómetro survey, conducted between 26 May and 3 June 2026 with 800 respondents, AC would secure 3.3% of the vote if elections were held today, placing it fourth behind the PSC, ERC, and Barcelona en Comú. This marks a slight decline from previous figures but confirms AC’s potential to enter the city council for the first time.

Challenging Junts’ Position

Junts, which won Barcelona in 2023 with 13.5% of the vote, has seen a steep drop in support. The same Barómetro survey shows the party falling to 2.6%, placing it seventh in voter intention and behind not only AC but also Vox and the PP. This collapse signals a significant shift in the city’s political landscape, with AC positioning itself as a new force on the right. Aliança Catalana’s rise is attributed to its direct messaging and focus on urban decay, immigration, and identity. Aragonès, a first cousin of former Generalitat president Pere Aragonès, has distanced himself politically from his relative, promoting a hardline stance on law and order.

"Nationalism returns to the 'cap i casal'. Today we begin to save Barcelona,"

This was Aragonès’ declaration upon announcing his candidacy, framing his campaign as a restoration of traditional Catalan values.

Campaign Themes and Local Grievances

Aragonès has focused on issues affecting daily life in Barcelona, including the degradation of public spaces and the proliferation of 24-hour convenience stores. In a video addressing conditions at the Espanya Industrial park, AC highlighted unsanitary conditions and illegal bathing in a pond, blaming the current administration for urban decline. He also criticised the city’s tram project and the 'superilles' (superblocks) policy, arguing that both hinder mobility for working residents. "One and a half million people from outside Barcelona enter the city every working day," he noted, stressing the need for long-term, strategic planning over tactical urban experiments.

  • AC blames the PSC-led council for failing to support local commerce
  • The party claims over 1,250 new 24-hour stores have opened in ten years
  • These stores are described as fronts for international networks exploiting migrant workers

Aragonès has called for coordinated council action to combat crime and protect traditional Catalan businesses, proposing tax reductions and more flexible opening hours to help them compete.

Digital Strategy and Controversial Messaging

The campaign has also embraced digital tactics, including the use of a viral video promoted by Elon Musk through Nate Friedman’s Show. The video, which depicts a future Barcelona under Islamic influence, includes commentary on immigration and features Vox candidate Gonzalo de Oro Pulido. While AC and Vox represent different ideological poles, Aragonès has leveraged the video’s anti-immigration message for electoral impact. Despite not yet matching the name recognition of other candidates, Aragonès is using targeted messaging to appeal to voter concerns over security, identity, and economic fairness. With disciplined cadre support and a clear narrative, AC aims to overtake Junts in next year’s vote.

Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, abc.es, eldiario.es, elmundo.es, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.