Collboni’s diplomatic trip to Jordan and Turkey has cost Barcelona taxpayers over €27,000 according to newly released documents.
The mayor’s August journey to Amman and Istanbul involved a municipal delegation of six people plus accompanying journalists, with the expenses detailed in a report issued by the mayor’s office following a request from Junts per Barcelona.
Collboni’s Travel Expenses Breakdown Revealed
The Amman leg of the journey proved particularly costly at €17,438.71.
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Furthermore, flight tickets with Royal Jordanian accounted for €12,268.74 of this amount, while accommodation at the Intercontinental Hotel for three nights added €3,966.90. Additionally, internal bus transfers contributed €1,134.22 to the total.
Meanwhile, the Istanbul portion of the trip cost €8,016.56. This included €5,772.56 for flights with Vueling, Turkish Airlines and Royal Aviation, plus €2,244 for two nights at the Conrad Bosphorus Istanbul Hotel. The report also detailed restaurant expenses totalling €1,192.96 across both destinations.
Political Context and Controversy
The trip occurred shortly after Barcelona severed ties with Israel and ended its sister city agreement with Tel Aviv. According to recent diplomatic developments, Israel had previously barred Collboni from entering the country, citing his “boycott” of Israel as having “consequences.”
Jordi Martí Galbis, president of Junts at Barcelona City Council, criticised the “opacity” and “unilateralism” of the mayor’s actions. He emphasised that international development cooperation had “always” been a consensual policy at the council, questioning the use of public funds without “transparency or democratic control.”
Official Justification and Outcomes
The official response document, dated 22nd October, defended the trip as reinforcing “Barcelona’s leadership and commitment to fundamental rights, democracy and international cooperation.” It highlighted the reactivation of District 11, an instrument originally created by former mayor Pasqual Maragall during the Balkan Wars to support Sarajevo’s reconstruction.
During the Amman visit, Collboni announced Barcelona would double its contribution to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees to €400,000. The Istanbul segment focused on supporting detained mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, with Collboni presenting the Eurocities Special Democracy Award in his capacity as vice-president of the European cities network.
Collboni’s diplomatic mission represents a significant expenditure during a period of increasing scrutiny of municipal spending. Consequently, the detailed breakdown provides transparency while raising questions about the balance between international engagement and fiscal responsibility.
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