Barcelona City Council has secured ERC’s support for its 2026 budget after incorporating the party’s housing demands. Mayor Jaume Collboni’s administration reached the agreement on Thursday, putting the municipal accounts back on track.
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The Budget Agreement
ERC councillors will now vote in favour of the €3.2 billion budget following weeks of negotiations. The deal includes significant increases in social housing investment and rental protection measures. Additionally, it allocates €45 million specifically for affordable housing projects across the city.
Council sources indicate the agreement addresses ERC’s primary concerns about housing accessibility. However, the final budget must still pass a full council vote next month. Meanwhile, other political groups continue to review the proposed allocations.
The housing measures align with broader regional efforts to secure housing funding. Barcelona officials emphasised this coordination during Thursday’s announcement. They described the budget as addressing urgent urban needs.
Political Implications
This agreement represents a significant political achievement for Mayor Collboni’s minority government. It follows previous budget rejections and demonstrates growing cross-party cooperation. According to analysts, the deal could influence future policy negotiations.
ERC housing spokesperson Marta Villanueva stated the agreement “meets key demands for vulnerable residents.” In contrast, opposition parties have raised concerns about budget priorities. The council plans detailed committee reviews before the final vote.
The budget framework now moves toward implementation pending approval. Council documents show increased funding for social services and public infrastructure. Previous budget negotiations faced challenges over similar housing policy disagreements.
Final budget approval would enable Barcelona to launch new housing initiatives early next year. The council anticipates beginning construction on approximately 800 social housing units within six months. Officials project the full budget will create nearly 2,000 jobs across various sectors.
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