Major left-wing political parties in Barcelona joined May Day demonstrations on 1 May, aligning with trade unions to support workers' rights and other social demands.
PSC spokesperson Lluïsa Moret called for the release of Global Sumud Flotilla activists detained by Israel. She expressed support for the humanitarian mission and condemned Israel's "genocidal action". Moret also advocated for unity among progressive forces and unions to protect labour rights and oppose the "sectarian far-right" which she said "risks workers' rights".
Moret linked labour rights to housing policies, stating that "speaking of labour rights is speaking of housing policies, because, unfortunately, there are still many workers who dedicate a very important part of their salaries to being able to access and maintain dignified housing."
Demands for Public Investment and Housing
Oriol Junqueras, president of ERC, stressed the need for a joint investment consortium between the Spanish state and the Catalan government. "Catalonia and Catalan society need tools to guarantee public investments in trains and all infrastructures," Junqueras said. He criticised those "willing to put spokes in the wheels and derail such important trains", referring to Junts' vote against a bill in the Congress of Deputies.
Junqueras also addressed the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, expressing "solidarity" with the Palestinian people and defending their right to self-determination. For May Day, he urged people to take to the streets "to fight for dignified housing for everyone, fair wages, and for public transport and trains that work."
Calls for Housing Mobilisation
The Comuns called for public "mobilisation" on May Day to defend the right to housing. They aim to reinstate the extension of rental contracts, which was overturned in Congress earlier this week. Ernest Urtasun, Minister of Culture and Institutional Head for the Comuns, affirmed that the extensions secured while the decree was in force remain "valid". He also condemned the "intolerable kidnapping" of two Flotilla members sent back to their home countries by Israel, demanding their "immediate" release.
Gerardo Pisarello, BComú's mayoral candidate and spokesperson, criticised Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni, accusing him of "failing" on housing matters. Pisarello added that the party would fight to apply "all possible measures" in Congress to limit rents.
