Update, 27th October 2026: Sánchez Llibre called for judicial reforms and expedited legal procedures to ensure that those involved in the riots face consequences, according to Crónica Global. He demanded that offenders bear the cost of repairing damaged public areas and private businesses, stressing that 'the full weight of justice' must fall on them. Crónica Global reported.
Foment president denounces upcoming strike
On Monday 26th October 2026, Foment del Treball, Catalonia's leading employers' association, strongly criticised the 11 November general strike over housing, calling it 'inopportune, irresponsible and detrimental' to the economy. President Josep Sánchez Llibre made the remarks at the XIX Foment Gala held at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, attended by over 1,000 business leaders and political figures including Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni and Catalan parliament president Josep Rull.
Paralyzing companies does not build housing
Sánchez Llibre acknowledged the legal right to strike but argued that halting business activity unfairly shifts the cost of the housing crisis onto companies. He stressed that while the housing issue is important, the strike is an unreasonable response. Foment is calling for urgent solutions focused on increasing housing supply, streamlining planning permissions, mobilising unused land, and improving rehabilitation efforts through greater collaboration between public and private sectors.
Condemnation of weekend riots
Sánchez Llibre also condemned the looting and riots that occurred in Barcelona on Saturday 24th October 2026, demanding firm legal consequences for those involved, including minors.
Without order there is no freedom, and without freedom there is no democracy
he stated, calling for 'necessary measures, however forceful they may be,' to protect commercial activity and public safety. The president linked the unrest to broader concerns about absenteeism, which Foment addressed in a White Paper released at the end of September. The report highlighted that in 2025, 1.4 million workers in Spain were absent due to common illness, costing the economy €33.28 billion. Foment advocates for reinstating objective dismissal for prolonged absence, arguing that Spain leads the EU in absenteeism rates.
Political neutrality ahead of elections
With Spain's general election set for 29th November 2026, Sánchez Llibre avoided endorsing any party but urged candidates to prioritise business growth and job creation. He called for a shared national commitment, stating:
The future of the country is too important to subordinate it to the immediate interests of an electoral campaign
Honours awarded to Damm, Martinoli and Primavera Sound
Despite the political tone, the evening celebrated business achievement. Damm was named Company of the Year on its 150th anniversary, with board member Ramon Agenjo praising its Catalan roots. Carolina Martinoli, CEO of Vueling, received Entrepreneur of the Year, urging teamwork to maximise Catalonia’s potential. Primavera Sound won in the Business Projection category for growing a local festival into a global brand. Denis O'Brien was awarded an Extraordinary Medal for securing the 2031 Ryder Cup for Catalonia. Jaume Alsina, founder of agri-food firm bonÀrea, received the Carles Ferrer Salat Medal of Honour, recognised for decades of leadership and shared prosperity.
Sources: viaempresa.cat.
