Antonio Balmón, Executive Vice-President of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), recently defended the institution’s 15 years of effective territorial management. However, he warned that securing stable financial resources remains its primary challenge. The AMB encompasses 36 municipalities and serves over 3.3 million residents.
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In an interview with ABC, Balmón stated, “the facts speak for themselves.” He emphasised the AMB’s success in structuring homogeneous policies across the territory. He added, “nobody now disputes the technical solvency” of the metropolitan institution. The integration of various administrations has enabled ambitious policies. These policies cover mobility, housing, environment, and social cohesion.
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Funding Model Requires Revision
Balmón acknowledged that pending issues remain, particularly regarding funding. The current funding model relies on contributions from citizens, local councils, and the Generalitat. He explained that this system requires revision. A stable financial base is essential to respond effectively to future demands. These demands include managing waste, improving public transport, and developing urban planning. Maintaining the pace of affordable housing construction also presents a significant task.
Balmón believes the AMB possesses “solid foundations” to address these challenges. However, he recognised that execution speeds vary with each mandate. The metropolitan leader insists on a policy focused on the “present.” He advocates for realistic, achievable public actions that generate lasting results. He suggests Barcelona’s metropolitan future involves expanding functions. It also requires reinforcing the AMB’s decision-making capacity. Urban planning is a key component for consolidating its institutional identity.
Demographic Growth and Service Demands
Balmón opposes any territorial expansion of the AMB in the current global climate of uncertainty. Recent crises demonstrate the need to strengthen existing structures first. He argues against opening new debates that could take years. The priority, he stated, must be “not to lose opportunities.” Instead, the AMB should focus on improving its current competencies.
He warned about projected demographic growth. The metropolitan region will concentrate much of Catalonia’s population increase. Catalonia expects to reach 10 million inhabitants. This growth necessitates reinforced public services to prevent inequalities and vulnerability. Balmón cautioned against inadequate planning. Past experiences show a lack of foresight created structural problems.
Strategic Progress and Future Collaborations
Balmón reviewed the five strategic axes defined at the mandate’s start. These included security, social cohesion, sustainable mobility, environment, and territorial planning. He acknowledged that progress has been “insufficient” in these areas. He attributed this delay to management complexity and regulatory limitations. However, he expressed confidence that relevant projects will materialise before the mandate concludes.
Regarding housing and services, Balmón championed public-private collaboration. He considers it an indispensable tool. Public sector capacity is limited, he noted. Attracting private investment will accelerate policies, especially in mobility and waste management. He views the competitiveness between Barcelona and Madrid as positive. Barcelona, he believes, must prioritise quality of life and citizen-oriented public policies.
In security, the AMB works to create a mixed company. This company will deploy technological solutions to enhance coexistence and support local police forces. This project forms part of a digitalisation strategy. It aims to integrate tools like smartphones into urban security management. Balmón minimised discrepancies between municipalities regarding Low Emission Zones (LEZ). He attributed them to “nuances.” He asserted a fundamental consensus exists on reducing pollution for health and environmental reasons. He advocates for progressive implementation based on awareness rather than imposition.
Transport Challenges and Governance Model
Mobility represents another significant challenge for the region’s residents. Public transport is costly, and current funding is limited, Balmón noted. He considers optimising resources essential. Reinforcing bus services is particularly crucial. He attributed the Rodalies crisis to years of underinvestment. He warned that improvements will take time and cause temporary disruption for commuters.
Balmón positively assessed inter-municipal cooperation initiatives. He cited collaboration between Barcelona and L’Hospitalet as an example. These initiatives respond to specific needs arising from urban continuity. He also championed the AMB’s political consensus model. This model, based on agreements between different forces, offers an effective governance formula. He believes this model could be exportable, though it depends on each institutional reality. Ultimately, Balmón insists public power must guarantee equity. It must also correct market-generated inequalities. In a “turbid” context, he considers strengthening public policies vital. This will prevent the rise of populism and address citizens’ real needs.
Originally published by ABC Cataluña. Read original article.
