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Janet Sanz leaves the City Council after 14 years and highlights her transformative legacy in Barcelona
Janet Sanz says goodbye to the City Council after 14 years. She defends her key role in urban transformation. She highlights projects such as the superilla in the Eixample. Her departure marks the end of an era. Find out how she values her legacy and what she expects for the future.
Janet Sanz has brought her time at Barcelona City Council to an end after fourteen years of intense political activity. She arrived in 2011 at just 26 years of age and, since then, has been one of the most influential figures in the city's urban transformation. Her farewell, marked by emotion and recognition from her colleagues, brings an era in Barcelona municipal politics to a close.
During her career, Sanz moved from the opposition with ICV to lead Barcelona en Comú after Ada Colau's departure. As Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning for eight years, she promoted emblematic projects such as the Eixample superblock, the tram connection along Diagonal and the reservation of 30% social housing in new developments. She herself considers these projects to have been key to changing the city and improving the lives of its inhabitants.
At her farewell, Sanz stressed that her work in urban planning sought to reclaim public space, promote affordable housing and limit mass tourism. She acknowledged that her administration may have unsettled some sectors, but argued that this was the price of transforming Barcelona. She assured that, although she is leaving institutional politics, she will remain committed to the city and its values.
Former mayor Ada Colau, Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun and other leaders of the Comuns accompanied Sanz at her final plenary session. All highlighted her consistency, passion and commitment to Barcelona. Sanz, born in Tamarite de Litera, recalled her special connection with Nou Barris, the district for which she was a councillor, and encouraged residents to continue fighting for their rights.
Mayor Jaume Collboni recognised the impact of the urban planning policies led by Sanz and valued her courage as a Barcelonan by choice. The First Deputy Mayor, Laia Bonet, also highlighted the differences and disagreements, but thanked her for her dedication. Gemma Tarafa will now take on the leadership of Barcelona en Comú, continuing the work begun by Sanz.
Janet Sanz says goodbye satisfied and with a clear conscience, convinced that she has contributed to a fairer, more liveable Barcelona. Her legacy will mark an era in the city's recent history.