Barcelona is debating the unexpected reaction to a statement by the secretary of the ERC general council and head of the party in the city council. The focal point is the fate of traditional shops, whose disappearance affects not only the economy but also the cultural identity of neighborhoods. Her remarks, made amid the closure of historic stores, sparked a wave of discussion among politicians and city residents.
A video posted on social media drew criticism from representatives of Comuns and CUP. In it, Elisenda Alamany, standing outside a 24-hour supermarket, used the term ‘gran reemplazo’, which is usually associated with far-right theories about demographic change. However, the politician immediately clarified that she was referring to the replacement of traditional stores by modern retail chains, not to migration processes. This explanation did not stop the tide of discontent, and the debate quickly spread beyond social media.
At an event marking the 95th anniversary of ERC’s founding, Alamany publicly acknowledged that her comments had been received ambiguously. She noted that it’s not always possible to convey a message in a way that avoids misunderstanding. In her view, the destruction of local ties and the disappearance of familiar shops contribute to the rise of reactionary sentiments, which is especially dangerous for urban communities. At the same time, she emphasized that the party remains committed to anti-fascist and anti-Russian principles, despite criticism from opponents.
Political reaction
In response to the heated debate, representatives from other parties emphasized the importance of accuracy in public statements. Some political groups saw in Alamany’s words a potentially dangerous hint at rhetoric typical of far-right movements. However, the ERC leader rejected these accusations, stressing that her party has a long history of fighting discrimination and protecting vulnerable groups. She also pointed out that the lack of decisive action to preserve the city’s identity has led to the current situation in the real estate and retail markets.
As El Pais notes, the debate over terminology quickly evolved into a broader discussion about the future of the urban environment. In particular, there is ongoing debate about the role of investors and major chains forcing small businesses out of historic neighborhoods. According to Alamany, these processes threaten Barcelona’s uniqueness and are destroying the familiar character of the city.
Urban identity
In recent years, Barcelona has undergone rapid changes on its shopping streets. Local residents are increasingly noticing the disappearance of small family-run shops, which are being replaced by large supermarkets and international brands. This is causing concern among those who believe the city is losing its character and turning into an anonymous space for tourists and investors. Analysis by russpain.com indicates that similar changes are taking place in other major Spanish cities, where historic neighborhoods are gradually losing their cultural diversity.
In this context, the statements by the ERC leader carry particular weight. They reflect concern not only among politicians but also the broader public, who view the disappearance of traditional shops as a threat to social cohesion. At the same time, as El Pais notes, the debate over terminology and rhetoric highlights how sharply the question of acceptable boundaries in public discourse is being raised.
Context and consequences
According to El Pais, the closure of historic shops in Barcelona is not unique. Similar cases are being reported in other regions of the country, where small businesses are unable to compete with major chains and are forced to close. This is changing the structure of urban neighborhoods and impacting the quality of life for local residents. In Catalonia, such changes have already sparked public debate, for example after the departure of Mossos d’Esquadra chief Eduard Sallent, which also drew media attention. More on this can be found in the article about the former Mossos chief’s move to consulting. on russpain.com.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly debated the use of terms related to identity and migration. Such situations often lead to a revision of public rhetoric and require politicians to be more careful in their statements. The issue of preserving historic shops remains relevant in many cities, where residents strive to protect their traditions and maintain the unique character of their neighborhoods.
