Daniel Sirera, President of the People's Party (PP) in Barcelona City Council, has demanded the resignation of Deputy Mayor for Security Albert Batlle. Sirera made the call today, stating Batlle is "incapable of reversing the situation" of rising crime in Barcelona.
Sirera launched the PP's "Safe Streets" campaign today in the Raval neighbourhood, a central district known for its diverse community and urban challenges. He plans to take this campaign to all 10 city districts, presenting proposals to improve security. These proposals include establishing mobile mini-offices in the city's "most problematic" areas.
Sirera stated, "Barcelona has unfortunately become the capital of crime and the most unsafe city in Spain." He backed this claim with official figures for the past year, reporting 170,000 crimes across the city. This figure averages 464 daily incidents, highlighting a significant challenge for public safety.
These reported incidents included four daily sexual assaults, with one involving rape. The statistics also covered numerous homicides and attempted homicides. Such figures paint a worrying picture for residents and visitors alike, impacting daily life in the Catalan capital.
Public Safety Concerns Mount
In addition, authorities collected 70,000 discarded syringes in public squares and parks last year. Sirera also highlighted a "tragic" recent weekend and month, which saw four murders in Barcelona. Three victims died from bladed weapons, and one from a firearm.
Several others suffered serious stab wounds during this period. "Since Jaume Collboni became mayor, Barcelona has had a total of 37 homicides," Sirera noted, emphasising these are not isolated incidents. He criticised Mayor Jaume Collboni, accusing him of being "a good mayor on TikTok and social media" but neglecting real issues.
Sirera delivered a strong critique of Mayor Collboni's leadership. He stated, "Barcelona is too big for him," and accused the mayor of normalising the insecurity. Sirera also claimed that "criminals feel comfortable in Barcelona, while citizens fear walking the streets. He added that the Guàrdia Urbana feels abandoned by the municipal government." This highlights a perceived disconnect between the city's leadership and its security forces.
Calls for Police Reinforcement
The PP leader called for a significant increase in police presence across Barcelona. He proposed adding 1,000 officers to the Guàrdia Urbana and 3,000 to the Mossos d'Esquadra. Sirera warned that at night, one police officer serves 7,300 people. This ratio halves to one officer per 14,000 at weekends, "when most needed."
Sirera also urged the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, to inform the public if Saturday's murder in Esplugues de Llobregat was a "jihadist attack." He also raised concerns about security at the Sagrada Família ahead of a potential papal visit.
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Originally published by Tot Barcelona. Read original article.
