The PP in Barcelona regained crucial political relevance on June 17, 2023, when an unprecedented pact with the PSC and Barcelona en Comú invested Jaume Collboni as mayor. This maneuver prevented Xavier Trias (Junts) from taking office with the support of Ernest Maragall (ERC). Since then, the popular leader, Daniel Sirera, has maintained his influence without demanding seats in the municipal government.
“"We were responsible for stopping a separatist government of Junts and Esquerra Republicana. And after the municipal elections, in the regional, Spanish, and European elections, we have won in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, the stronghold of Xavier Trias, and we are the second force in Les Corts and Nou Barris. Therefore, the PP has grown in Barcelona since that decision."
With the midpoint of the mandate passed, the popular party president, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has ratified confidence in Sirera to lead the 2027 candidacy. The PP intends to frame the elections as a plebiscite between two city models: that of Collboni and that of the PP. Sirera aims to be the most voted candidate among parties that do not support the left, with the stated goal of defeating Junts in Barcelona.
This strategy seeks to replicate the state's two-party system model. However, the political fragmentation of Barcelona makes post-electoral alliances complex. If the PP wanted to change the city model, it would need to seek support from formations like Junts, VOX, and potentially Aliança Catalana. Sirera does not view VOX or Aliança Catalana as a real threat to the PP in the capital, although polls suggest Aliança Catalana could enter the council.
