The ‘Greater Barcelona’ Debate: A Call for Civil Society Leadership
The concept of ‘Greater Barcelona’ and its effective governance has become a central topic of discussion in recent months. The publication of ‘Barcelona Metropolitana’ by journalist Xavi Casinos, an initiative supported by the Barcelona City Council, has further fueled this debate, bringing together urban planners, cultural managers, and journalists to explore the future of the region.
The book’s presentation at the College of Journalists, featuring architect Juan Carlos Montiel and cultural manager Fèlix Riera, underscored a clear consensus: the urgent need for civil society to actively participate in governing this expanded metropolitan area. Moderated by journalist Anna Ruiz, the discussion highlighted the importance of a dynamic and agile governance model that extends beyond traditional public administration.
Why Civil Society Holds the Key
Dr. Montiel emphasized the necessity of civil society’s broader perspective, stating, ‘We need this civil society to have a broader vision, beyond golf courses or organizing events to listen to Sílvia Orriols.’ This sentiment points to a desire for a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to urban development, one that prioritizes the needs of the populace over narrow interests.
Fèlix Riera further articulated that the metropolitan reality is ‘pre-political, it exists, and it is a territory that brings together about five million inhabitants.’ He stressed that this is not merely an administrative challenge but a fundamental aspect of the region’s identity and future. Riera advocated for the involvement of diverse associative tissues, including ‘entities, athenaeums, music academies,’ to spearhead this governance.
The discussion also touched upon the untapped potential of Barcelona’s senior citizens. ‘There are more people, eighty-something or over seventy, who can contribute a legacy to the city, offering part of what the city and their effort gave them,’ Riera noted, suggesting a valuable resource for experience and wisdom in shaping the city’s future.
The Limits of the AMB and the Vision of a Network of Cities
Casinos’ book challenges the current structure of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), arguing that it has become ‘too small.’ The AMB, which currently encompasses 36 municipalities, was re-established in 2010 with limited but clear competencies. However, the rapid growth and evolving needs of the region necessitate a broader vision.
Casinos proposes a model of governance through ‘a network of cities’ for the metropolitan territory, which could extend to include the two Vallès regions. This model rejects the idea of a single central authority, instead advocating for multiple centers-intermediate cities-that would form a network of services. In this framework, certain services like shared scooter systems, waste management, or housing plans could be managed jointly, while others remain under the purview of individual municipalities. This approach acknowledges the unique identity and needs of each community within the larger metropolitan fabric.
Historical Context and Future Challenges
The book delves into the historical evolution of metropolitan governance in Barcelona, recalling the dissolution of the Metropolitan Corporation by President Jordi Pujol in 1987. The subsequent re-establishment of a similar entity in 2010, the AMB, marked a step towards coordinated urban management, but the current debate suggests a need for further evolution.
Casinos’ vision also seeks to bridge the perceived divide between ‘Greater Barcelona’ and Catalonia, represented by the Generalitat government. He suggests that a consensual approach, centered on the citizen, can lead to a mutually beneficial understanding. ‘Well considered, the model of a polycentric metropolitan region and the noucentisme of a network of cities defended by the nationalism inherited from the Lliga de Prat de la Riba and the Mancomunitat of the early twentieth century have great points in common. Only partisan and political reasons make them irreconcilable,’ Casinos writes, highlighting the potential for collaboration over conflict.
The Unfolding Debate: What Lies Ahead?
The debate surrounding the governance of Greater Barcelona is far from over. The call for civil society to play a more prominent role is a direct appeal to the private sector and community organizations to engage actively in shaping the region’s future. As Riera concluded, ‘The city is the result of the transformative capacity of civil society.’ This statement encapsulates the core message of the discussion: the future of Greater Barcelona hinges on the collective action and vision of its citizens.
The challenges are significant, ranging from housing and mobility to economic development and environmental sustainability. The question remains whether the various stakeholders-public administrations, civil society, and the private sector-can come together to forge a cohesive and effective governance model for this dynamic metropolitan region.
Source: https://metropoliabierta.elespanol.com/vivir-en-barcelona/20260127/reclamo-sociedad-civil-gobernar-gran-barcelona/1003742727121_0.html
