The Popular Party (PP) officially confirmed Daniel Sirera as its candidate for Barcelona's next municipal elections on Saturday. Miguel Tellado, the party's General Secretary, made the announcement during the inauguration of a new PP municipal group office in the Nou Barris district. This move signals the party's early preparations for the upcoming electoral contest.
Mr Tellado praised Sirera during the event, stating, "He managed to refloat the party" and will be "a great mayor of Barcelona." This public endorsement from the national leadership confirms their commitment to Sirera's candidacy. The party aims to consolidate its recent growth in the Catalan capital, building on the results from the 2023 elections.
PP Targets Barcelona's Future
The office opening in Nou Barris, a diverse district in northern Barcelona home to over 170,000 residents, also served as an early campaign message. The Popular Party considers Barcelona a strategically important city for its broader political objectives. During his address, Mr Tellado framed the national political situation as a critical turning point. He asserted that a "majority" in the Spanish Congress demands general elections. He accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of deliberately avoiding the polls.
Mr Tellado believes Mr Sánchez "knows that when Spaniards speak, they will have to leave the government." He described Barcelona as a victim of "triple socialism." This referred to Mayor Jaume Collboni, Generalitat President Salvador Illa, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Mr Tellado attributed the city's perceived insecurity to a lack of effective policies. He controversially labelled Barcelona "the most insecure city in Spain." This claim highlights a key concern for many residents and tourists in the city.
Security and Local Engagement Priorities
Daniel Sirera, for his part, advocated for a model of proximity in local governance. He stated that Barcelona needs "a mayor who takes it seriously." The new Nou Barris office aims to bring politics closer to the neighbourhood's residents. It will provide a direct channel for listening to their problems and concerns, he explained. Sirera argued that his political office cannot be limited solely to Plaça Sant Jaume, the seat of Barcelona's city council. This emphasis on local engagement seeks to address residents' feelings of detachment from city hall.
The Popular Party leader again highlighted security as a central theme of his municipal project. He condemned the high crime rate, noting that "it cannot be normalised that 480 crimes occur every day" in Barcelona. He announced the PP would again demand that the local police force, the Guardia Urbana, be equipped with Taser guns. If elected mayor, Sirera promised to sign a decree implementing this measure during his first week in office.
Calls for Increased Police Presence
Sirera also called for a reinforced presence of the Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil. These national police forces would operate at Spain's borders and within Barcelona's port. He cited an increase in the presence of weapons on the streets as justification for this measure. Manu Reyes, the Popular Party President of Barcelona and Mayor of Castelldefels, supported these views. He added that Barcelona needs "a change" after years of policies. He believes these policies have followed the same trajectory initiated during Ada Colau's previous mandate.
Sirera's confirmation signals the Popular Party's early and determined focus on the next municipal elections. His campaign will likely centre on security, local governance, and a critique of the current socialist administrations. These issues resonate with many Barcelona residents, particularly those concerned about public safety. The party seeks to challenge the established political leadership in the city and offer an alternative vision for its future.
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Originally published by ABC Cataluña. Read original article.
