Jordi Martí Galbis, Junts spokesperson in Barcelona City Council, has declared his intention to run for mayor, defying party leaders who favored Josep Rius.
Martí Galbis, a councilor since 2011 and Xavier Trias's right-hand man in the 2023 campaign, has informed secretary general Jordi Turull of his firm intention to head the municipal list.
Junts leadership, headed by Carles Puigdemont, aimed to appoint Josep Rius directly as party spokesperson and former chief of staff to avoid primaries ahead of the May 2027 elections.
Martí Galbis's move opens the possibility of primaries in the Barcelona federation, where party rules allow either direct ratification or an open vote among members.
Junts won the 2023 Barcelona elections but failed to secure the mayoralty due to an alliance between PSC, Comuns, and PP that installed Jaume Collboni.