Let me introduce myself. After living six years in Madrid, I have returned to live in Barcelona. I have returned very surprised. The self-esteem of a large part of Madrid residents is through the roof, and that of a large part of Barcelona residents is on the floor. Madrid residents have the perception that their city is experiencing its best moment at all levels, while in Barcelona there is an atmosphere of certain decline. Spoiler: I, as a citizen of both cities, do not agree.
During these years, every time I have come to Barcelona I have seen it changed: I have found it more European, international, and modern. A city that was transforming and looking towards the future, that was inspired by the great global cities. Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. When I explained to my friends in Madrid the changes in urban architecture that were being made in Barcelona, they couldn't believe it. It seemed impossible to them that a large city was pedestrianizing so many streets, that it had superblocks, or that it had so many bike lanes everywhere.
Furthermore, most indicators do not point to a decline of the Catalan capital. However, this has not permeated the narrative and public opinion about the city. A mantra has been installed throughout the State about Barcelona's supposed downturn that has deeply damaged its image. It has permeated so much that even some Barcelona residents believe that it has fallen behind several cities in the State such as Madrid, Malaga, or Valencia.
It is time for Barcelona to get its act together: it must improve the self-esteem of Barcelona residents and convince them, through facts, that the city continues to be a leader at all levelsBarcelona, like all big cities, has a lot to correct. Gentrification, pollution, prices, and inequalities are driving many residents out. Evidently, this is very worrying. But, reader, believe me: in no big city do you live as you live in Barcelona. It is a modern city, which has overcome many debates, which cares about social rights, which looks forward, which is constantly evolving, which has people from all over, where creativity breathes, with an enviable associative fabric and with an incomparable quality of life. It is time for Barcelona to get its act together: it must improve the self-esteem of Barcelona residents and convince them, through facts, that the city remains a leader at all levels. The Olympic Games are now a long way off.