Junts struggles to find Barcelona mayoral candidate amid internal divisions

Artur Mas and Tatxo Benet reject offers to lead the ticket as the party debates between local and national preferences.

Generic image of a podium with microphones in front of an institutional facade in Barcelona.
IA

Generic image of a podium with microphones in front of an institutional facade in Barcelona.

The Junts per Catalunya party is currently navigating a complex process to appoint its lead candidate in Barcelona for the upcoming municipal elections, following Xavier Trias's victory in 2023.

The party led by Carles Puigdemont aims to reclaim the mayoralty currently held by Jaume Collboni. While other parties like ERC and Comuns have already defined their candidates, Junts remains undecided.
Former President Artur Mas has officially declined an offer to lead the list. Similarly, businessman Tatxo Benet and former minister Quim Forn have also reportedly turned down the opportunity to run for office.

"Someone has lost their mind."

Xavier Trias · Former Mayor of Barcelona
The internal debate now focuses on Jordi Martí Galbis, favored by the local membership, and Josep Rius, a close ally of Puigdemont supported by the national leadership.