Video: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DfWiVCUAFFt/">@jcollboni / IG</a>

Mayor Cites Duty Over Personal Sympathy

On Thursday 5th November 2026, Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni confirmed he will not participate in the upcoming general strike on Wednesday 11th November, despite expressing personal and union solidarity with its causes. In an interview on RTVE’s 'Cafè d'idees', Collboni, a member of the UGT trade union, stated that while he feels 'union and political sympathy' for the strike's focus on the housing emergency and rising cost of living, his role as mayor requires him to uphold city services. 'A politician does not have the right to strike,' Collboni said. 'My obligation as mayor is to work to ensure that the day proceeds with absolute normality and that balance is guaranteed in the city.'

Plaça Catalunya Encampment to Remain, With Conditions

Collboni also addressed the ongoing protest encampment in Plaça Catalunya, affirming that the city government does not plan any immediate police intervention or forced eviction. He described the protest as a legitimate exercise of democratic and peaceful assembly, with municipal officials maintaining an active dialogue with organisers. However, he drew a firm line on public safety and legality. The city had previously cut off electricity to parts of the encampment after detecting illegal connections that posed an 'imminent risk' to activists, according to a statement from the city council. Fire services had issued warnings over the unsafe electrical tapping. 'What we will not allow is for electricity to be illegally tapped,' Collboni warned. 'The protest can continue as long as it remains civic and peaceful.'

Zero Tolerance for Violence

While defending the right to protest, Collboni condemned any acts of violence, referencing disturbances in Barcelona on 24th October. He stressed that vandalism and violent actions would be met with 'contundencia' (firmness), and reminded parents that they would be held responsible for minors involved in such acts. 'One thing is the right to protest, essential for a healthy democracy, and another very different thing is gratuitous violence,' he said.

Sources: CatalunyaPress, RTVE.