A new political intrigue is unfolding in Barcelona: renowned actor, writer, and critic Bob Pop (Roberto Enríquez) has officially announced his participation in the Barcelona en Comú primary. His statement came as a challenge not only to his rivals within the party but also to the entire far-right wave that, in his words, threatens the city’s future. Pop makes no secret of his ambitions—he intends to run for mayor of Barcelona in the 2027 municipal elections and is determined not to let radicals destroy what, in his view, has been built over years.
The announcement took place in the heart of Barceloneta, where Bob Pop immediately made his stance clear: “The left cannot back down and wait for the storm to pass. We need to act boldly and win now.” His speech included criticism of his main rival in the primary, former Congress deputy Gerardo Pisarello (Gerardo Pisarello), along with pointed remarks toward party elites and those who, according to Pop, have hesitated too long over Barcelona’s future.
Internal Party Struggle
Tensions are rising within Barcelona en Comú. For the first time since the movement’s founding in 2015, the primary promises to be a true battle rather than a formality. Previously, candidates were selected by founder and leader Ada Colau (Ada Colau), but this time, things are different. Discontent is growing within the party: many believe Colau and her close circle still wield too much influence, and the time spent contemplating her possible return was a missed opportunity to find new leaders.
Bob Pop made sure to highlight his long-standing connection to the movement: “I didn’t come from the outside, I’ve supported the party from the very beginning.” His team includes former executive committee members such as David Pequeño and Enric Bàrcena, as well as district councillor Mar Trallero. Other prominent figures were also present in the room, but not everyone openly backed Pop—some preferred to stay in the shadows, fearing repercussions for their careers.
New Rules of the Game
This time, the primaries promise to be not only fiercely competitive but also as transparent as possible. Both candidates—Pop and Pisarello—are actively urging supporters to register and take part in the vote. In the coming days, the party will set the official calendar: when registration closes, when candidacies will be submitted, and when voting will begin. For the first time in the movement’s history, the leadership race is turning public and intense.
Pisarello, who announced his plans a month ago, has already launched an active campaign, attending events across the city. In the coming days, he’ll appear at a historical memory event and at a rally in support of Venezuela. Interestingly, primary rules require both leaders to run as a tandem—one man and one woman—yet neither candidate has named a running mate so far.
Criticism and Promises
At his campaign launch, Bob Pop was openly emotional. He acknowledged that being a public figure is a privilege, but immediately criticized the leftist parties, which he said have become a sort of union for a corporation, where “the bosses hold us down, and all we do is try to make deals so we get hurt a little less.” Pop believes this attitude is unacceptable—he demands resolve and a fighting spirit from the left.
Pop promised that his campaign would break with tradition: he plans to improve his Catalan, bring a show element to rallies with activities like lotteries and bingo, and most importantly—personally knock on thousands of doors to learn the real needs of Barcelona’s residents. He even joked from the stage: “If supporting me puts your job at risk, feel free to cover your face—you won’t be recognized.”
The element of surprise
Bob Pop’s move into politics caught many people off guard. Just last fall, he merely hinted at a possible run, but now his intentions are crystal clear. His style is provocative, at times bold, and perhaps this is exactly what Barcelona’s left needed after years of caution and internal discord.
The movement faces a tough crossroads. For the first time in years, the race for leadership is wide open. Whether Bob Pop can unite the fragmented forces and prevent the far right from making a comeback is a question that concerns not just his supporters, but everyone watching Catalonia’s political scene.
