A Cry for Territorial Equity
In an unprecedented event, over a hundred mayors from 24 Catalan counties gathered this Monday in La Panadella to demand a new governance model that ends the inequality between the metropolitan area of Barcelona and the rest of the territory. Convened by Impulsem, a political formation seeking to give voice to local realities, the officials expressed their concern over the growing disconnection between decisions made in the capital and the needs of their municipalities.
“Catalonia does not end at La Panadella,” the local leaders stated in a manifesto they plan to present to the Parlament. This document highlights the historical grievances suffered by the counties outside the AMB, where political decisions often overlook local peculiarities and realities. Manel Solé, mayor of La Granja d'Escarp and general secretary of Impulsem, emphasized how situations like the mobility restrictions imposed during a recent storm disproportionately affect these areas.
The mayors denounced a critical situation marked by chronic underfunding that distorts the fundamental pillars of social welfare. “We feel an unbalanced country with little internal cohesion,” the manifesto states. This perception is reinforced by asymmetric demographic growth: while some cities experience population increases, many small towns face depopulation and aging.
Mayor Ramon Trullols, who read the manifesto on behalf of the group, stressed the urgent need to address these issues to ensure equal opportunities for all Catalan citizens. “The quality of life in our towns cannot depend on size or geographical location,” Trullols stated before an audience composed of political representatives and concerned citizens.
As Catalonia faces complex challenges related to its territorial and social structure, these mayors are determined to fight for a more inclusive model that truly reflects the diverse needs of the country. With this symbolic act in La Panadella, they seek not only to highlight their demands but also to initiate a constructive dialogue with the regional government to build a fairer and more integrated Catalonia.
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