Barcelona Mayor's Mid-Term Report: Progress, Challenges, and a Look Ahead

Barcelona Mayor Collboni: Mid-Term Report Highlights Tram Expansion, Increased Police Activity, and Tourism Balance Barcelona, Spain – Mayor Jaume Collboni recently gave a mid-term assessment of his administration in an interview with betevé. The interview covered various aspects of city governance, including infrastructure projects, public safety, and economic development. One key highlight was the progress on the expansion of Barcelona's tram system. Collboni stated, "In the next three months, we will submit to the Urban Planning Commission the final approval for the tram extension from Verdaguer to Francesc Macià." This project is expected to significantly improve public transportation in the city. Another significant topic was public safety. The mayor noted a 20% increase in police activity, resulting in more arrests. He acknowledged that the effects of these increased efforts might take time to be fully felt by the citizenry. However, he expressed confidence that this is a necessary step toward restoring normalcy. The interview also touched upon the city's economic reliance on tourism. Collboni emphasized the need to balance the benefits of tourism with the preservation of the city's quality of life. He stated, "We have a part of our economy that is tourism, which generates many jobs in the city, but the city cannot be subjected to the tourism industry." This statement reflects the ongoing debate about the impact of tourism on Barcelona. The interview concluded on a positive note, with Collboni expressing optimism about the future of Barcelona and his administration's ability to address the city's challenges.