Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced plans to eliminate all tourist flats in the city by 2028. He reaffirmed housing as a "national priority" for his administration during a recent interview.
Mayor Collboni acknowledged "very strong pressure" from online platforms offering tourist accommodation. He stated that "one thing is democracy, local power, the power of the mayor. And the other is the very rich law firms that the vulture funds, which own thousands of flats in Barcelona, will hire to stop you from achieving it. But we will achieve it anyway. Because I believe that here we are also playing for what democracy continues to be." This strong stance highlights the administration's determination to regulate the housing market.
Barcelona's Housing Strategy
The Mayor defined housing as a "national priority" for Barcelona. He contrasted this with the People's Party (PP) and Vox agreement in Extremadura, where he noted the PP struggled to define their own national priority. Collboni emphasised that for him, as Mayor, housing is "without a doubt, today, the national priority." This focus addresses a critical concern for Barcelona's 1.6 million residents, including many expats, who face high rental costs and limited housing options.
Barcelona faces physical and geographical limits for new construction. However, the city has "combed through the entire city" to find suitable spaces for growth. Collboni cited areas like La Sagrera and Marina del Prat Vermell as examples where new housing developments are planned. These areas are undergoing significant urban transformation, aiming to provide hundreds of new homes.
Boosting Public Housing Supply
The administration aims to significantly increase the supply of public housing. In 2023, the city constructed 500 public homes annually. Collboni expects this number to rise to "probably" 1,200 units by 2026. This represents a substantial scaling up of public housing production. The increase seeks to provide more affordable options for families and individuals struggling to find suitable accommodation.
The Mayor's commitment to intervene in the market is clear. He believes it is legitimate and legal to do so, ensuring the right to housing for all citizens. This policy directly impacts the city's tourism sector, which currently relies on a large number of short-term rental properties. The upcoming ban will reshape the accommodation space for visitors and residents alike.
Broader Political Context
Collboni's statements also followed a progressive summit held in Barcelona last week. He expressed pride that Barcelona served as a "global reference point for the defence of democracy and human rights." He added that "all the progressive leaders who gathered in Barcelona sent that message at a time of a certain, well, unease, fear, uncertainty in the face of those who manage the world. Some seem to have directly lost their minds and others are setting the planet on fire." This broader political context frames his administration's approach to urban challenges.
The move to eliminate tourist flats by 2028 will require careful planning and enforcement. It will also likely face continued legal challenges from property owners and rental platforms. However, the Mayor remains resolute in his goal to prioritise residents' housing needs over short-term tourist accommodation.
Come and join our Barcelona English Speakers community on WhatsApp.
Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
