Comuns challenge Govern over 2026 priorities
David Cid, spokesperson for Comuns in the Catalan Parliament, has called on the regional government led by President Salvador Illa to deliver immediate action on housing, public transport and essential services such as healthcare and education. Speaking on Tuesday 29 September 2026 ahead of the General Policy Debate in the chamber, Cid stressed the need for policies fit for "Catalonia in 2026, not 2030 or 2040". Cid highlighted the government's failure to fully implement existing agreements, particularly in housing. He pointed to the delayed creation of a mediation unit to prevent evictions, a measure pending for over 18 months. According to data from the Diputació de Barcelona, nearly 22,000 cases remain open through its Housing Debt Mediation Service, underscoring the scale of unresolved housing disputes across the region.
Enforcement of housing law urged
The Comuns representative also criticised the limited enforcement of Catalonia's Right to Housing Law. He noted that only 12 sanctions have been issued in two years under the legislation, despite powers granted by Decree Law 6/2024, which strengthened penalties for landlords violating tenant protections in tense rental markets. The law, an amendment to the 2007 Right to Housing Act (Llei 18/2007), introduced stricter oversight and reporting requirements to prevent abusive rental practices. Cid called on the government to ensure full compliance, referencing the ongoing 2026 budget proposal, approved by the executive and presented to Parliament on 22 May 2026. The budget includes housing investment plans, but Cid argued implementation must accelerate to meet urgent public needs.
The Govern has much work to do in housing and in areas where it clearly isn't responding to Catalan society or to its own agreements with us.
Broader public service demands
Beyond housing, Cid pressed the government to improve regional rail services and strengthen public healthcare and education. He urged President Illa to move beyond partial measures and deliver comprehensive solutions, warning that half-hearted policies risk failing residents who depend on reliable infrastructure and services. The debate in Parliament provides a platform for opposition and supporting parties to scrutinise the government's record and set expectations for the coming year.
Primary sources: Departamento de la Presidencia, aplicacions.economia.gencat.cat, govern.cat, barcelona.cat, Diputació de Barcelona, boe.es. Reported by lamanyana.cat, Departament d'Edicions del Parlament de Catalunya, parlament.cat, Europa Press Barcelona.
