Arnau Liesa, Aliança Catalana's lead candidate for Figueres in the 2027 municipal elections, has stated that the city will be the site of "the first battle of political Islam in Catalonia". Liesa, who has lived in Figueres since the age of two, expressed deep concern about the city's future, citing issues with security, immigration, and a perceived decline in local identity.
Liesa, a football coach and history student, told reporters that he accepted the candidacy because he believes "something must be done". He criticised the current state of Figueres, describing it as "decadent" and heading towards a difficult future without significant change. He noted that while the Dalí Museum and proximity to France offer some advantages, the city risks becoming like Salt if problems are not addressed.
He highlighted the degradation of certain neighbourhoods, which he called "no-go zones", and warned that similar issues are starting to affect the city centre. "Figueres is a small city, you can go from one end to the other in five minutes, so it cannot have marginalised outlying neighbourhoods without the impact eventually reaching the entire city," Liesa explained.
Addressing Immigration and Security
Liesa acknowledged that municipal powers regarding immigration are limited, but pointed to Ripoll, governed by Aliança Catalana's Sílvia Orriols, as an example of what can be achieved locally. He stated that the first step is to make life difficult for individuals who do not comply with rules, commit crimes, or are involved in issues like drug trafficking. He claimed that information suggests the Marseilles mafia is beginning to buy flats in certain areas of Figueres.
"We have to make life impossible for all these people in Figueres so they understand they cannot be here peacefully and move elsewhere," Liesa said. Beyond security and immigration, he identified city management as a key problem. He argued that Figueres needs a complete overhaul of its town council and budget.
For many years, according to Liesa, each governing party has added to the budget, administrative structure, and bureaucracy. He called for a simplification and reduction of the council's operations, keeping only what is essential for the city to function. He believes that without addressing "demographic replacement" and reviewing municipal management, other proposals are not worthwhile.
Municipal Management and Housing Concerns
Liesa advocated for a thorough review of administrative operations and the budget. He recalled the period under former mayor Maria Lorca, whose team, he said, made the council more efficient by eliminating taxes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. He suggested a return to that approach, proposing to rebuild the budget from scratch.
Regarding housing, Liesa expressed concern about Catalonia's low emancipation rate, with many young people still living with their parents at 35. He argued that the priority should be the local population. He likened the housing problem to that of security, stating that a city designed for 35,000 people cannot comfortably accommodate 50,000 without creating tension. He cited shared rooms being rented for around €450 in Figueres as "indecent", noting the city's limited capacity for growth.
Mobility and Urban Development
Liesa suggested that Figueres should eventually move towards pedestrianising its centre, similar to cities like Pontevedra, which shares some demographic and urban structural similarities. However, he stressed that this cannot be done without first ensuring easy access to the centre. He described the current situation as chaotic due to insufficient parking and poorly maintained or problematic peripheral car parks.
He views improving parking as a priority to support local commerce. "Many people don't care if they go to La Jonquera or come to Figueres; if you guarantee them they can park near the centre in five minutes, they will come," he explained. "But if they have to queue, drive around for a long time, or pay very high prices in private car parks, they won't."
Demographic Shift and Political Islam
Liesa highlighted recent data indicating a significant demographic shift in Figueres. Between 2020 and 2024, public data shows approximately 3,500 immigrants, mostly from Morocco, arrived in Figueres, while about 1,500 local residents, mainly families with children, left. He called this a "horrendous" and substantial population replacement over just four years.
He reiterated his belief that Figueres will be a key political battleground concerning political Islam. He referenced developments in other countries, such as France and Great Britain, and expressed worry that Figueres could see the first major municipal expression of this phenomenon in Catalonia. Liesa argued that political parties, from PSC to Esquerra and Junts, have sought votes from specific communities and engaged in politics around mosques and Muslim groups. He warned of significant risk when these communities are treated as political blocs, especially one he considers "very united and politically cohesive". While the term 'fascist' is often used, Liesa believes that "the totalitarian ideology that continues to function today is Islamofascism."
Liesa's campaign will focus on these issues as Aliança Catalana prepares for the 2027 municipal elections, aiming to gain representation in the Figueres Town Council.
