Junts pushes for urgent intervention in Poblenou

The Junts municipal group has called on Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni’s government to launch a shock plan to reverse what it describes as the 'degradation' of the Vila Olímpica del Poblenou neighbourhood. According to Junts spokesperson Neus Munté, the area, once a symbol of urban renewal, now suffers from dirty streets, deteriorated public furniture, homeless encampments in green spaces and building entrances, and a shopping centre with nearly 60% of its units vacant. Junts will present its proposal during the upcoming municipal plenary session, which has been rescheduled to Thursday 5th November 2026. The session was moved from its original date of Friday 30th October due to three days of official mourning declared by the Generalitat following the fatal train accident in Urda, Toledo, which claimed 69 lives.

Four-point plan includes council buyout of shopping centre

The shock plan put forward by Junts includes four key measures:

  • Coordinated social services intervention to assist and rehouse people sleeping rough, restoring public space for community use.
  • Removal of street waste, graffiti, and repair of damaged urban infrastructure.
  • Increased foot patrols by the Guàrdia Urbana (municipal police) to improve security.
  • Acquisition of the Vila Olímpica shopping centre by Barcelona City Council to transform it into a mixed commercial and social hub.

Munté described the current state of the area as a 'symbol of neglect', urging the socialist-led executive to act decisively. The group also plans to demand action on noise and disruption linked to the Blocus nightlife district and to present a motion calling for a reduction in municipal taxes, arguing that residents need relief amid rising living costs.

Plenary postponed after cross-party agreement

The postponement of the October plenary follows a joint request by opposition parties, including BComú, ERC, and PP, who opposed the executive’s initial plan to hold a limited session focused only on administrative matters during the mourning period. They argued that delaying the full plenary would prevent opposition groups from presenting policy initiatives for two months, as the November session will be affected by the national general election called for 29th November 2026. City sources confirmed that Mayor Collboni has formally instructed the municipal secretary to move the plenary to 5th November, after consultation with political groups during Thursday’s spokespersons’ meeting.

Sources: betevé, Tot Barcelona, Ajuntament de Barcelona.