Barcelona prepares itself for macro-survey on key issues

The results will not be binding but subject to consideration by the entire City Council where the political parties represented will accept, or not, the mandate of the people. The Barcelona City Council is now preparing t its first macro-survey, which will be held over one week between May and June this year. Organisation is one thing, but what is most significant are which questions will be put to the citizens. The issues can be proposed by mayoress Ada Colau’s executive or the opposition, with the support of two thirds of the plenary council or directly by institutions or individuals who previously have gathered 15,000 signatures as collateral. It is clear that the consultation will be wide-ranging. One of the most important questions will be centred on the possible return of the water supply and administration to municipal control, one of the most important points in Colau’s programme. Other surveys included may be more relevant to particular areas of the city. Such a consultation is no easy matter as was shown in the Diagonal referendum and with this experience in mind the council has chosen to outsource the contract which is budgeted at €918,852.16. Citizens of over 16 years of age will be eligible to vote and polling stations will be set up all over the city, mainly in municipal dependencies.