Speaking at the ‘La Barcelona Metropolitana’ conference, where he served as moderator, Sirera asserted that the core question is now not whether a metropolitan-wide authority is necessary, but how to structure it more justly, efficiently, and democratically. This statement reopened a long-standing discussion about the relationship between Barcelona and its surrounding municipalities. Many of these operate within the existing Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB) but closely guard their autonomy.
Sirera highlighted the region’s historical friction, noting that ‘at times it seems Barcelona doesn’t want to collaborate with municipalities, but rather to engulf them.’ His comments initiated a discussion among influential figures from business, politics, and media, exploring the potential for a more integrated and powerful metropolitan region.
A Call for a ‘Qualitative Leap’
The economic sector strongly supported the vision for a larger, more cohesive metropolitan entity. Miquel Nadal, Director General of the influential business association Cercle d’Economia, described current metropolitan integration as ‘unsatisfactory’. He criticised the existing framework as ‘a collection of patches and multiple entities with a partial focus’.
Nadal urged, ‘We must take a qualitative leap in metropolitan governance,’ advocating a model that ‘transcends the city of Barcelona and encompasses the entire metropolitan region.’ He argued that since this regional reality already exists, the administration must adapt by expanding both the AMB’s physical territory and its powers.
Alberto Fernández, former PP leader in Barcelona and current president of the think tank Barcino 5G, echoed this sentiment. He called for a transition ‘from the taifa to the metropolis’ – a reference to Spain’s fragmented medieval kingdoms – implying a need to move beyond parochial interests. According to reports from Europa Press, Fernández insisted a larger metropolitan region with greater funding and decision-making authority is essential. He highlighted housing as a key area where the AMB’s current role is merely ‘testimonial,’ requiring a significant boost in competence and dedicated financing.
Journalist Xavi Casinos quantified this ambitious vision, suggesting the AMB should expand from its current 36 municipalities to 164. He argued that existing road and rail networks already form an ‘urban continuum’ which, if governed as a single entity, could give Barcelona a true ‘global city dimension’.
‘Collaboration, Yes; Subordination, Never’
However, the push for a ‘Greater Barcelona’ met firm resistance from local leaders concerned about losing autonomy. Manu Reyes, PP Mayor of Castelldefels and provincial party president, served as the primary voice of caution.
“Governance must be based on equal treatment,” Reyes stated, warning against expanding the AMB’s size without first resolving its existing operational problems.
In a clear defence of local powers, Reyes was unequivocal. ‘Collaborate, yes; but subordination, never,’ he declared, confirming that Castelldefels would not cede further competencies to the metropolitan authority as long as he remains mayor. His stance reflects broader anxiety among suburban towns that a Barcelona-dominated structure would sideline their needs. This tension is already evident in major infrastructure debates, such as the controversial expansion of El Prat Airport, where local opposition remains significant.
Reyes also lamented what he described as a lack of institutional loyalty within the AMB. He claimed his party was unfairly relegated to the opposition, hindering the consensus-building needed for such a significant territorial reform.
The debate encapsulates the region’s central challenge: how to harness the economic and social power of a unified metropolis without eroding the local identity and democratic accountability of its constituent towns. While proponents see a larger AMB as a vehicle for enhanced public services – from a more efficient transport fleet to unified regional strategies – opponents fear creating a bureaucratic giant disconnected from its citizens.
