Pre-Campaign Developments for Barcelona Presidency Elections

The pre-campaign for the presidential elections of FC Barcelona has begun indirectly. Although a specific election date has yet to be established, various pre-candidates have recently stepped forward. Currently, Barcelona’s members are aware of five potential options: Som un Clam, Nosaltres, Xavier Vilajoana, Moviment 42, and Joan Laporta.

Next year will be significantly defined by the elections at the Catalan club, which are expected to occur between March 15 and June 15, with a preference for April. Once an official announcement is made, pre-candidates will have 40 days to gather the necessary signatures to formalize their candidacies. The last elections took place on March 17, 2021, where members voted among three candidates: Laporta, Víctor Font, and Toni Freixa. This article seeks to outline the current electoral landscape.

On May 16, following Barcelona’s LaLiga title win, Joan Laporta announced his intention to run again, aiming to serve another five years to complete the economic, social, and sporting roadmap he initiated in 2021. Recently, he has increased his public appearances and statements, enjoying a favorable moment as the team excels on the pitch, having limited capacity events at Spotify Camp Nou, and with a strong partnership with coach Hansi Flick. Furthermore, he has also voiced his criticisms towards Real Madrid.

Víctor Font, a well-known figure among Barcelona’s members and a candidate from 2021 with the Sí al Futur platform, has remained active in club matters. On November 18, he reinvigorated his campaign with Nosaltres, a cross-sectional project that has attracted support from several Barcelona member platforms. His goals are clear: to restore Barça’s representation, prioritize members, build an honest and well-managed club, defend the spirit of the fans, and leave a legacy for future generations. Notably, Xavi Hernández attended the presentation of his candidacy.

Former executive Xavier Vilajoana, who previously ran in the 2021 elections but did not qualify, confirmed on November 27 his return to the presidential race. He launched an initiative called Veus del Barça in September to engage with fans across Catalonia and gather their opinions. Emphasizing his extensive knowledge of the club as a former player and executive, Vilajoana stated, “We must refocus the club around its members and fans. For too long, Barça has been managed like a family business; it is time to change this dynamic and professionalize the club to achieve the institution we all desire.”

Marc Ciria publicly expressed his intention to run on December 16 after several months of groundwork. His platform, Moviment 42, introduced under the slogan “Es la hora de reiniciar” (It’s time to restart), argues that bringing back Leo Messi is essential for overcoming the club’s economic struggles. His electoral agenda focuses on three main pillars: preserving club ownership, reviving the spirit of “més que un club,” and competing financially against state-backed clubs while honoring La Masia. Ciria has prior electoral experience, having been part of Laporta’s candidacy in 2015 when Josep Maria Bartomeu won.

Joan Camprubí represents the Som un Clam candidacy, which he describes as more than just a platform; it embodies a shared sentiment among those who love Barça. He emphasizes love, pride, and passion for the club’s colors, history, and values. Announcing his intention to contest for the presidency last October, he is the grandson of Agustí Montal Costa, who was president from 1969 to 1977, and the great-grandson of Agustí Montal Galobart, who led the club from 1954 to 1962. Recently, he has advocated for a united and cross-sectional candidacy to challenge Joan Laporta.