Catalonia faces shifting political landscape over immigration and gentrification

In Catalonia, political and social debates are increasingly focused on the intersection of immigration, gentrification, and language use. A live podcast event organized by Plataforma per la Llengua in Barcelona’s Gràcia district will address how rising housing costs, tourism pressure, and changing neighborhood demographics affect the daily use of the Catalan language.

Simultaneously, political shifts are being driven by immigration concerns. According to the CEO 2026 Political Opinion Barometer, while housing remains the primary concern for most citizens, immigration has become a key electoral differentiator. The rise of Aliança Catalana, led by Sílvia Orriols, correlates with this trend, as 31% of its voters identify immigration as a major issue. Demographic data from Idescat shows that as of January 1, 2025, residents born abroad accounted for 25.1% of Catalonia’s population, highlighting a structural demographic shift where population growth is driven almost exclusively by migration.