Barcelona’s homeless crisis has forced a major political confrontation at City Hall.
Consequently, opposition parties Junts and Barcelona en Comú have successfully demanded an extraordinary council plenary session.
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They aim to address what they call the “failure” of Mayor Jaume Collboni’s management of homelessness.
Political Pressure Mounts Over Barcelona Homeless Crisis
The move follows the latest count by the Arrels Foundation. Their data reveals a stark reality: 1,982 people now sleep rough on Barcelona’s streets. This figure represents a 43% increase compared to just two years ago. Therefore, the opposition argues the current administration’s strategy is inadequate.
Junts and the Comuns registered their formal joint request on Wednesday. They possess sufficient combined votes to compel Mayor Collboni to convene the session. Their proposition seeks to debate a comprehensive action plan against homelessness. This plan would be backed by 60 million euros in funding.
Furthermore, the proposed measures include establishing a low-demand centre in every city district. Additionally, they call for reinforcing the Housing First programme. The political motion also explicitly aims to “conclude the failure” of Collboni’s government on this issue. According to the opposition, the PSC-led administration’s action has been marked by “inaction and an inability to offer adequate responses.”
This political clash occurs amid broader debates about social policy and housing in the city. For instance, recent discussions have also focused on securing funding for affordable housing projects. You can read more about the political agreements shaping the city’s budget in our coverage of how ERC backed Barcelona’s budget after a housing deal.
The situation highlights the growing pressure on urban social services. Meanwhile, the city continues to navigate other complex challenges, from managing tourism to adapting its public spaces. The demand for a district-by-district approach suggests a recognition that solutions must be localised and accessible.
The extraordinary plenary session, once scheduled, will become a focal point for this critical debate. It will force the municipal government to publicly defend its record and outline its future strategy. The outcome could significantly influence Barcelona’s social policies for years to come.
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