Junts will vote against Barcelona’s 2026 budget proposal on Thursday, rejecting both the spending plan and fiscal ordinances. Municipal group leader Jordi Martí confirmed the opposition position on Wednesday, stating the budget fails to address citizens’ concerns about housing access and public safety. The decision represents another setback for Mayor Jaume Collboni’s administration as it seeks approval for next year’s municipal finances.
The Housing Dispute
Martí used the budget announcement to definitively close negotiations on modifying the 30% public housing requirement for new constructions and major renovations. He accused affected business sectors of receiving misleading signals from the mayor about potential agreements. The councillor drew parallels with previous municipal conflicts, referencing the 2012 crackdown on street scams under former mayor Xavier Trias.
According to Martí, the current administration shows “an absolute lack of willingness to negotiate” on key issues. He contrasted this with the political maneuvering that secured Collboni’s mayoralty in June 2023 with PP support. The budget proposal lacks both new projects and genuine ambition, according to Junts’ assessment. Meanwhile, ERC continues pushing for greater housing investment through separate negotiations.
Governing Coalition Solidifies
While Junts maintains its opposition, Collboni’s government secured its third budget agreement with Esquerra Republicana on Wednesday. The party led by Elisenda Alamany presented its conditions for supporting the 2026 accounts on Tuesday. Both parties reached agreement the following day, achieving 15 favourable votes though still short of the 21 needed for majority approval.
The most likely outcome, assuming no unexpected shift from Barcelona en Comú, involves budget approval through a confidence vote. Accepted demands include maintaining public transport discounts, expanding Bicing with 1,000 additional electric units and 35 new stations, and increasing housing and rehabilitation funding by 30%. The agreement also allocates €15 million to the Besòs area and initiates restoration of the historic Tramvia Blau. This follows ongoing housing challenges affecting vulnerable residents across the city.
The budget process now moves to Thursday’s full council meeting where Junts’ formal rejection will test the governing coalition’s stability. Political observers note the widening gap between PSC and Junts positions suggests continued tension over housing policy and municipal priorities throughout the coming year.
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