Xavier García Albiol accepts PP candidacy for Barcelona

Xavier García Albiol, the mayor of Badalona, has accepted Alberto Núñez Feijóo's proposal to lead the People's Party (PP) candidate list for Barcelona in the general elections scheduled for November 29. Despite the new responsibility, Albiol has repeatedly asserted his commitment to Badalona, stating his intention to remain mayor.

However, his candidacy faces legal and institutional hurdles. PP statutes prohibit an individual from simultaneously serving as a deputy in the Congress of Deputies and as the mayor of a city with more than 20,000 inhabitants, unless extraordinary authorization is granted by the national leadership. Furthermore, if Albiol were to be appointed to a government ministry, the Spanish Constitution would mandate that he relinquish his mayoral position.

Local opposition groups in Badalona have raised concerns regarding his ability to manage both roles. The PSC has requested that Albiol appoint an acting mayor to ensure municipal continuity, while ERC has criticized the move, accusing the PP of using the city as a political instrument. Critics argue that the demands of a deputy require a level of dedication that may conflict with the needs of the local government.