Barcelona opens debate on public supermarkets in midst of rising prices
The project, yet to be finalized, refers to disparate experiences such as US military commissaries or the social supermarket networks of Northern Europe.
Barcelona is reigniting the discussion about public supermarkets as prices continue to rise. Mayor Jaume Collboni announced that the city will receive its first public supermarket next year, following meetings with his New York counterpart, Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani has already launched a plan to open five of these stores, which could help citizens save up to 30% on their purchases.
Collboni's plan has surprised and angered local merchants. The sector believes the project is unnecessary and asks him to consider the British model instead. They also don't mind a formula where excess goods from large chains are redirected to food banks. Supporters of a public network, however, advise him to look at other initiatives, such as those supplying American military personnel, amid growing difficulties for many citizens in accessing fresh and healthy products.
Written by urgent.news from El Pais Economia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
