On Monday 9th November 2026, the Catalan Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (Pimec) will host what it describes as the first and only electoral debate of the campaign cycle dedicated exclusively to economic and business matters. The event will take place at the Auditori in Torre Glòries, Barcelona, starting with an address by Pimec president Antoni Cañete.
Major Party Candidates to Participate
The debate, titled 'SMEs, with their own voice', will feature lead candidates from six political parties: Jordi Hereu (PSC), Ernest Urtasun (Frente Amplio), Xavier García Albiol (PP), Gabriel Rufián (ERC), Miriam Nogueras (Junts), and Juan José Aizcorbe (Vox). It will be moderated by TV3 journalist Cristina Riba.
Structured Debate on Key Economic Issues
- Block 1 – Business Dimension: Growth is Future: Focuses on obstacles affecting SME competitiveness.
- Block 2 – Country Challenges: Addresses housing access, infrastructure, and mobility.
- Block 3 – Cross-Examination: Candidates will engage in direct questioning of each other.
The format will combine direct questions, individual interventions, open debate, and interpellations. Each candidate will conclude with a one-minute closing statement. Around 300 business leaders, institutional representatives, and economic and social agents are expected to attend.
Pimec demands that the political situation does not sideline the reforms needed by the productive fabric.
This initiative follows Pimec’s public call for political parties to prioritise the productive economy in their campaigns, urging concrete and realistic proposals to strengthen business competitiveness, reduce bureaucracy, and support investment. The debate is part of a broader effort to place small and medium enterprises at the heart of the national political agenda ahead of the general elections on 29th November.
Sources: Europa Press, Ara.
