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Puigdemont Awaits, Barcelona Tackles Illegal Pension Scheme

The Junts leader refrains from supporting no-confidence votes while seeking a Barcelona mayoral candidate, as an illegal tourist accommodation network is investigated.

Generic image of a political figure in front of an institutional building at sunset.
IA

Generic image of a political figure in front of an institutional building at sunset.

Catalan politics remains in suspense with Carles Puigdemont's stance and internal struggles within Junts, while Barcelona investigates an illegal accommodation scheme.

The political landscape in Catalonia continues to be marked by uncertainty, with Carles Puigdemont awaiting judicial developments and his party, Junts, engaged in an internal struggle for the mayoral candidacy of Barcelona. This political scenario is intertwined with a municipal investigation into an illegal accommodation scheme, focusing on irregular tourist rentals in the city.
Recent reports indicate that Puigdemont is not considering supporting no-confidence votes while awaiting the effects of his amnesty and seeking a viable candidate for the Catalan capital. The leadership of Junts faces a complex primary process to define its electoral proposal for Barcelona, with several internal figures considering running, including Jordi Martí, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, Josep Maria Argimon, Glòria Freixa, and Jaume Giró. The final decision, which could involve primaries or a direct appointment, is expected by June 21.
Concurrently, the Barcelona City Council has intensified its strategy to combat the illegal tourist accommodation business. The new municipal offensive aims to secure prison sentences for those responsible for a scheme known as the 'Peruvian Swedes,' which involves renting apartments, dividing them into rooms, and systematically subletting them. This network, controlling a significant number of properties primarily in Ciutat Vella and the Eixample, has evaded previous sanctions through straw men and corporate entities.
In the judicial sphere, the situation of Marta Rovira, former secretary general of ERC, remains unresolved. The Supreme Court has declined jurisdiction to try her for disobedience in the 'procés' case, referring it to the Barcelona Court, as the defendant does not hold a privileged position.
Economically, the impact of immigration on Catalonia is being analyzed through the so-called 'Informe Fènix.' The document questions the necessity of this immigration for economic prosperity and warns of its potential effects on the welfare state, despite international organizations highlighting its contribution to Spanish GDP growth.

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