Barcelona mayor urges shoppers to think local and reject Amazon this Christmas

The mayor of Barcelona, ​​Ada Colau, urged Barcelona residents not to buy on Amazon for the Christmas period, and instead to think about local, independent shops. 

Neighbourhood and local commerce have suffered drastic consequences due to the Covid-19 induced economic crisis. 

In addition, Colau echoed the words of the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, a few days ago by saying that Amazon "does not pay local taxes or bring wealth." 

First deputy mayor Jaume Collboni backed Colau by asking citizens to be "aware" that every purchase on Amazon "reinforces a competitor model that cheats," and that the enterprise does not pay all the taxes it should pay in the country or in the city.

For Colau and Collboni, the economic crisis caused by Covid-19 has shown the importance of local trade, which gives "vitality" to cities. "The city would not be the same without trade and catering, it would lack soul; to have a safer, more dynamic and cohesive city we need them to be able to reopen and fill streets and squares."

The Barcelona city council is aware of the importance of the Christmas campaign for shops, and therefore believes that citizens are aware and should be aware of the importance of neighbourhood trade and proximity.