Former Barcelona Mayor Xavier Trias has publicly endorsed Jordi Martí Galbis as a "good candidate" for Junts in the next municipal elections. Trias made the statement on Tuesday during RTVE's "Cafè d'Idees" programme, highlighting Martí Galbis's long political career. Martí Galbis currently presides over the Junts municipal group in the Barcelona City Council.
Martí Galbis officially announced his intention to run for mayor last Friday, as Tot Barcelona previously reported. Trias's backing comes as no surprise, given Martí Galbis has served as his close associate for decades. "He is a good candidate. There can always be better ones. Listen, let them present a better one," Trias said on Tuesday. He added, "If he is the one who ultimately stands, no one can say that he has not been an example of reaching the top through titanic effort." This strong endorsement positions Martí Galbis prominently within the party.
This endorsement follows the withdrawal of Josep Rius, who was previously favoured by exiled President Carles Puigdemont to lead the Junts list in Barcelona. Rius announced his decision in a letter to party members, which he published on his social media channels. He stated, "In a logic of internal confrontation, they will not find me there." Rius also wrote that "Under current circumstances, I cannot put myself forward as a candidate." He emphasised the need for a "renewal project" and called for generosity throughout the selection process.
Martí Galbis's Extensive Political Career
Jordi Martí Galbis has built much of his political career alongside Trias. A law graduate, he has served as a councillor in the Barcelona City Council since 2011. This was when Trias won the elections and governed the city from 2011 to 2015. During this period, Martí Galbis held the position of Councillor for the Presidency. He also oversaw the Sants-Montjuïc district. This large district is home to over 180,000 residents. It includes important landmarks like Montjuïc and the bustling Sants neighbourhood. His experience in city governance is extensive.
Prior Roles in Catalan Government
Before his time in the City Council, Martí Galbis held significant roles within the Catalan government. In 1993, he became Chief of Staff for the Ministry of Health when Trias served as Minister. From 1996 onwards, he occupied the same position in the Ministry of the Presidency, again under Trias's leadership. Trias agrees with Rius that internal confrontation must be avoided. He also believes generosity is necessary for the party's future. However, Trias maintains that Martí Galbis's candidacy does represent renewal. "It is not true that it is not renewal," he asserted, addressing concerns about fresh leadership.
The Path Ahead for Junts
Martí Galbis appears to have a clear path to becoming the mayoral candidate if no other person comes forward. This situation could simplify the internal selection process for Junts. However, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas has publicly left the door open to presenting his own candidacy. Additionally, some Junts district presidents in Barcelona want Rius to reconsider his position. The party faces a critical period as it finalises its leadership for the upcoming municipal elections, which will shape Barcelona's future governance.
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Originally published by Tot Barcelona. Read original article.
