General election stakes raised in Barcelona
Daniel Sirera, head of the Partido Popular (PP) group at Barcelona City Council, has claimed that a vote for Junts in the upcoming general election on Sunday 29th November could result in Ada Colau becoming Spain’s Minister of Housing. In an interview published by Europa Press on Sunday 1st November, Sirera argued that support for Junts indirectly backs a coalition that could include Colau’s Sumar alliance in government. Sirera positioned himself and Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni as the city’s only two viable governing options ahead of next year’s municipal elections. He described Collboni’s potential alliance with Comuns and ERC as representing one model for the city, and his own PP platform as the alternative.
Anyone who votes for Junts will find that with their vote they make Ada Colau Minister of Housing.
Security, housing and jobs at the forefront
Sirera cited security, housing and employment as Barcelona’s most pressing challenges. He criticised the failure to pass a national law targeting repeat offenders, despite its reported support from Junts and ERC. A recent case highlighted by the city council involved a man with 34 final convictions for property crimes who was ordered to pre-trial detention, the first such ruling based on a criminal action brought by Barcelona City Council under Organic Law 1/2026, of 8 April (Barcelona City Council). Sirera claimed that under a Feijóo-led government, stronger measures would prevent offenders from being released quickly after arrest. He also said that if he were mayor, the Guàrdia Urbana would be equipped with Taser guns to improve public safety.
Public opinion on key city issues
Recent data from the Barcelona Barometer 2026, based on telephone interviews with 800 residents conducted between 26 May and 3 June 2026, shows strong public support for tackling housing shortages. Some 75% of respondents agreed with eliminating tourist apartment licences, while 76.4% supported regulating commercial rent prices (Barcelona City Council). Another survey, the Barometer 2025, found that nearly 90% of residents back heavier fines for anti-social behaviour, with housing now cited as the top concern by 32.8% of participants (Barcelona City Council). Sirera dismissed concerns about the rise of Aliança Catalana in city politics, saying he is focused on offering a clear alternative on security, housing and reducing red tape for small businesses. Current polling data suggests the PP has 3.1% voting intention for the 2027 municipal election, behind the PSC at 13% and ERC at 11.1%.
Sources: Europa Press, Ajuntament de Barcelona.
