Sant Cugat del Vallès, Catalonia: Ramon Gutiérrez, spokesperson for Sant Cugat En Comú Podem, has criticised the current municipal model, stating it “leaves many people behind” in the city. Speaking on Ràdio Sant Cugat, Gutiérrez outlined his party's vision for the city, focusing on addressing inequalities and presenting an alternative to the long-standing governance of Junts.
Gutiérrez explained that while many residents are proud of Sant Cugat, a significant portion, including young people, older residents, and families, struggle to make ends meet or remain in their neighbourhoods. He described the model, which Junts defines as successful, as having “many more facets” that require attention. His party aims to show that Sant Cugat is not the exclusive domain of Junts and that other political groups can manage the city differently, particularly for those who have felt excluded.
Housing Inequality a Major Concern
According to Gutiérrez, housing is the primary factor driving inequality in Sant Cugat. He emphasised that housing is the most important social policy, asserting that without shelter, other social rights and public services lose their meaning. He called for a housing policy that goes beyond mere construction, advocating for regulation and alliances with market actors and social movements like the Tenants' Union and housing cooperative associations.
He pointed to solutions implemented in other municipalities, such as the 30% affordable housing requirement and the conversion of single-family homes into multi-family units. Gutiérrez believes Sant Cugat has not adequately explored these management options. He also criticised the current Promusa 2030 plan, which focuses on affordable housing construction, for not being met at the required pace and for its narrow scope.
Expanding Housing Policy and Neighbourhood Focus
Gutiérrez argued that a comprehensive local housing plan should address more aspects, including the rental market, enforcement of state and Catalan regulations, increased inspections, and support for tenants' rights through municipal institutions. He also called for promoting more housing and boosting rehabilitation efforts, noting that many of these elements are currently absent from any existing plan.
He expressed enthusiasm for a model that combines denser housing with commerce, creating multi-use areas, traffic-calmed streets, and “eco-blocks” (superblocks). This vision includes neighbourhoods with services, promoting a “15-minute city” concept where residents can access amenities by walking or public transport, alongside green spaces. However, Gutiérrez questioned why such a model is primarily planned for new neighbourhoods rather than being applied to existing ones.
He observed a tendency to plan the city from the centre, with major facilities concentrated there, while neglecting the needs of outer neighbourhoods. He cited the lack of a community civic centre in Volpalleres and the inadequacy of the Xalet Negre in Sant Francesc. Gutiérrez also highlighted dilapidated buildings like Masia de Can Rabella and Villa Montserrat on Avinguda Cerdanyola as examples of neglected infrastructure.
Preparing for 2027 Municipal Elections
With municipal elections approximately a year away, Sant Cugat En Comú Podem is focusing on programme development and listening to community needs. Gutiérrez stressed the importance of this listening process to gather proposals from various city groups and build an electoral programme for 2027. He also voiced concern over recent political discourse regarding the municipal register, suggesting it has been used to compete with far-right narratives, which he believes harms neighbourhood cohesion and makes agreements with other parties more difficult.
The party has not yet begun the candidate selection process, with Gutiérrez stating his availability to the organisation. Their current focus is on consolidating their political space, expanding alliances, and developing their programme. Key areas of focus include housing, neighbourhoods, culture, and ecological transition linked to education and mobility. Gutiérrez affirmed the party's ambition to govern, aiming to build an alternative to Junts, broaden their support, and either join or lead a governing majority.
Regarding a potential common front with CUP, Gutiérrez confirmed that CUP has decided to pursue its own path, which he respects. However, he reiterated his party's belief in the need for broad alliances, noting good relations and collaborative efforts with CUP and other forces like PSC in the plenary. He stressed the importance of left-wing parties agreeing on an analysis and priorities for the city to build a real alternative. While acknowledging some positive measures from ERC, such as resources for regularisation, a homelessness plan, and progressive security policies, Gutiérrez questioned their transformative impact given what he described as divisive rhetoric, cultural and cooperation cuts, and urban operations that benefit “the usual suspects.”
