New municipalism and the right to the city: A Lefebvrean re-examination and lessons from Barcelona

Abstract

The mobilisations that took place around the world after the global crisis of 2008 saw the birth of New Municipalism, which achieved notable successes, such as taking power in some of Spain's most important cities in 2015. Lefebvre's work, and predominantly his concept of ‘right to the city’, has been seen as a major theoretical influence in the rise of new municipalism. The interpretation of this concept, however, differs among scholars, leading to criticisms labelling it as an empty signifier. Though Le droit à la ville does not develop a sufficiently clear programmatic strategy – thus laying the groundwork for its use by a wide range of political movements – Henri Lefebvre's own political views and stance can be theoretically examined and coherently understood. His militant trajectory and political writings, however, have often been overlooked by urban scholars, resulting in interpretations that blur the truly radical potential of his work. Therefore, through a critical engagement with recent scholarship linking Lefebvre's right to the city and new municipalism, this piece critically examines to what extent do municipalist theory and practice fit with Lefebvre's understanding of politics and the right to the city. Accordingly, a characterisation of new municipalism is presented first, followed by a review of the multiple meanings that the right to the city has acquired within this trend. Subsequently, the right to the city is contextualised within Lefebvre's work. Then, Lefebvre's theoretical-political position is confronted with the municipalist ones, followed by a critical assessment of some policies and programmes under the government of Barcelona en Comú between 2015 and 2023, finally culminating in a synthesis of key reflections.