Concern over the rise in fatal shootings in Barcelona has prompted the Department of the Interior and the municipal government to demand more stringent measures. Mayor Jaume Collboni has publicly requested legislative changes to increase penalties for firearm possession. This call has been supported by the Deputy Mayor for Security, Albert Batlle, who urged for "reviewing criminal laws," drawing parallels to modifications made to combat repeat offending.

Albert Batlle noted that the authority for these legislative changes lies with the "central government" and expressed hope that it won't be necessary to "drag our feet" to implement them. He explained that the municipal government awaits a joint assessment meeting with the Department of the Interior and confirmed that "conversations with the Minister of the Interior" have already taken place following the latest shooting on Balmes street.

Despite the gravity of the events, Batlle believes that Barcelona's image has not been negatively affected, asserting that the city "was capable of facing the situation with determination, and will continue to do so in the future."

Meanwhile, the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, confirmed that the "possibility" of requesting stricter penalties for illegal firearm possession is being studied "as soon as possible." In an interview with Ser Catalunya, he also indicated that they are considering toughening penalties for drug trafficking "if necessary." Illa stated that the executive's objective is to "reduce criminal acts to zero" in the city.

The incident on Balmes street marks the second fatal shooting in Barcelona in less than a week. Last Sunday, a man was shot dead on Mineria street, in the same area where another fatal shooting occurred three weeks prior. These events are part of a growing wave of violence, which also includes an incident on May 3rd in Ciutat Vella, where a minor was arrested for the stabbing death of a man, and a brawl on April 18th in Meguidó square that resulted in a fatality.