Jordi Martí Galbis, president of Junts per Barcelona in the Ajuntament, has demanded Mayor Jaume Collboni address a "serious security crisis" in the Catalan capital. This call follows a weekend marked by violence, including a homicide in the central Raval district and a bladed weapon assault near the Fòrum.
Martí Galbis stated, "Barcelona is experiencing an extremely serious and unacceptable security situation." He added that news of violent acts creates "growing social alarm" among residents. Police are investigating the death of a man in the Raval on Saturday night, allegedly by a minor.
Separately, a young man suffered injuries from a bladed weapon during a group assault in the Fòrum area, according to Barcelona City Council. This large public space is often used for events and leisure activities.
Rising Violence Concerns
Junts per Barcelona also highlighted the increase of "Latin gangs and international mafia groups" in the city. These groups were linked to two shootings in April, according to the party. One incident on Passeig de Taulat resulted in a man's death days later in hospital.
Another shooting in the Sants-Badal neighbourhood left a man seriously injured. Sants-Badal is a residential area in the west of the city. Martí Galbis insisted that security remains the primary concern for Barcelonans, alongside housing access.
He criticised Collboni's government for its "incapacity to respond to this urgent demand." The councillor believes the current administration is failing to protect the city's residents.
Calls for Stronger Policing
"We cannot allow Barcelona to become a city where violence with bladed and firearms is common," Martí Galbis stated. He continued, "We cannot allow our neighbourhoods, our streets, and our public spaces to be scenes of fights, assaults, and homicides."
Junts advocates for a stronger police presence, especially in affected neighbourhoods. They also call for improved coordination between the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's police force, and the Guàrdia Urbana, Barcelona's municipal police.
This improved collaboration would help tackle organised crime more effectively. The party believes a united front is necessary to restore public order.
Political Pressure Mounts
Martí Galbis's comments come as Junts prepares to select its mayoral candidate for 2027. Councillor Josep Rius is currently the favourite, as reported by Tot Barcelona. However, Martí Galbis also aims to lead the party's list, having expressed this ambition for a year.
He holds significant influence within the Barcelona Federation and controls the Junts group in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. This district has the largest membership of Junts militants in the city.
"We want Mayor Collboni to govern properly and defend security and coexistence in Barcelona," Martí Galbis concluded. "And if he is not capable of doing so, he should say so clearly and make way for someone who is willing to take on this responsibility."
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Originally published by Tot Barcelona. Read original article.
