Bob Pop: "Collboni has become a mayor for nobody who isn't rich."

BarcelonaBob Pop is the stage name of Roberto Enríquez (Madrid, 1971). A writer and screenwriter, he wants to be the mayoral candidate for Barcelona en Comú in 2027. He is competing with Gerardo Pisarello in the party's first primaries to choose the candidate who will fill the void left by Ada Colau.

Why does he want to be a candidate?

— It's time to take a step forward. I've been involved in politics my whole life, through books, television, radio, theater... I think I can lend my voice to the party at a time of disaffection with institutional politics and the rise of the far right, given the feeling that the left isn't providing solutions for people. My intention is to be very bold, which is a Catalan word I really like.

Have you received any pressure from the party for not showing up?

— No. I've had conversations with people in the party and we've discussed whether or not the primaries were good for the movement. But there was no pressure.

His opponent is Gerardo Pisarello, one of the founders of BComú. Does he feel he's in an unequal battle?

— Perhaps, but that's normal. This is good because if I become a mayoral candidate, I'll also face an uphill battle. I don't think it's a battle, but rather two political scenarios. And I have a feeling that if I win these primaries, we'll win the mayoralty.

Do you think you have a better chance of becoming mayor than Pisarello?

— You should ask Pisarello. I have a feeling I could be the mayor.

He says there are two political hypotheses. Which one is yours?

— It's about broad fronts and rekindling hope, but that's not enough. We need to recover the energy we had before, with the experience we've gained. When I announced my candidacy, I wanted to be a catalyst in a very stagnant space. I wanted to transcend the space and open it up to all left-wing people. BComú is already that: a tool that has united the left.

Have you been able to speak with Colau?

— No, I haven't spoken to her. Partly because she's had an operation. Besides, she's been supporting Gerardo, and it would be very strange for me to call her. And I think Ada also has the right to some peace and quiet.

You're a comedian and a media personality. Do you feel that, for this reason, some people haven't taken you seriously?

— At first, people didn't take me seriously. But my job is, and has been, to make sure my proposals and my way of doing politics are heard. I want the grassroots to know that I intend to do things differently and make politics compatible with life. I'm not alone; my intention is to have a united party, a space where everyone has their place. And, if I win, there are many people from Gerardo's team I'd like to have on board, like Carol Recio or Pau González.

In the event that your candidacy does not win, would you also be willing to join the winning candidacy?

— Yes. Wherever Pisarello and his team think I'd be most useful. That might be campaigning by listening to people, or knocking on doors, or anything else they think I could do. And if they think it would be good for the electoral list, that's fine too. We need to talk, but I'm willing to keep working for the party.

Would you be willing to remain a councilor in the opposition even if you run for mayor?

— Of course. I think it's a very important place, because it's a place to do politics and also to convey our proposals.

What does he propose regarding housing?

— The candidate will develop the electoral program in conjunction with the rest of the party. But we are clear on many things. Housing is related to the pressure exerted on the Catalan and Spanish governments, and to the creativity and possibilities we have to adjust the laws... There are many proposals we need to discuss. And there is also something very important: we must not make promises we cannot keep.

And in tourism?

— I propose we talk a lot, find solutions, and be imaginative. We need to understand that tourism isn't the only economic option for this city, and that when we talk about the economic benefits of tourism, we must also consider its economic and social costs. I don't have a magic solution now, nor do I think I will in six months, but we have until 2027 to prepare a very thorough electoral program.

And what does he propose in response to the fact that insecurity continues to be one of the main problems for Barcelona residents?

— A city must be safe for everyone, and we must work to ensure that residents feel safe. But this isn't just about a thief. It also involves speculation, a lack of public spaces, and inequality.

You have spoken before about bilingual Barcelona. What should the City Council do to promote Catalan?

— The City Council must find a way to make Catalan accessible, useful, and welcoming. And welcoming means finding spaces where people can be helped to speak Catalan without feeling judged or afraid. I'm learning Catalan all the time. Barcelona is a multilingual city, but what you feel on the street is one thing, and the spirit of the city is another. The spirit should be in Catalan.

What is your opinion of Mayor Jaume Collboni?

— I have the feeling that Jaume Collboni isn't working for the city. He has an agenda that has nothing to do with our lives. He's become a mayor for nobody who isn't rich.

Did the commoners do the right thing by voting for his investiture?

— I think we should have signed something. What is the PSC?

Do you understand that some people question your knowledge about the city?

— I know the city very well. I've lived here a lot. I've been to every neighborhood, I have friends everywhere, and I've been to many places. I think knowing the city also has to do with being inquisitive and curious about things. You learn about a city through its people, and now I'm learning a lot.

Do you plan to run for Parliament or Congress someday?

— No. I think the city is the best place to make real changes. I can't see myself going back to Madrid, not even as a joke. And I think I'd much prefer to do local politics.