“Barcelona is a unique blend of tradition and modernity,” by Michel Kisfaludi.

Michel Kisfaludi, 59, has lived in Barcelona for much of his adult life. He arrived from France at the age of 24 for a first professional experience and returned at 33 to settle permanently. Two of his three children were born in Barcelona. Since 2024, he has been living between Paris and Barcelona as Deputy CEO of Europcar France, after having led Europcar Spain, the European leader in car rental.

Why did you choose Barcelona?
For my wife, who is from here! We met in Barcelona, and then she accompanied me to Paris, Mexico, and the United States for six years, during which she sacrificed her professional career. The return was not too difficult. Good professional opportunities arose for both of us, and so I was able to continue developing my career, first in banking and later in the technology sector.

What positive aspects of the city would you highlight?
I love that unique blend of tradition and modernity: between neighbourhood festivals and start-ups with young people from many different nationalities. There is a special energy in the air. In addition, the city is large enough to get lost in, and at the same time, you can easily escape and enjoy privileged natural surroundings.

What aspects of the city need to be improved? How can this be done?
People are what make a city, so it is important for Barcelona to attract the best companies in order to retain its young talent and offer them strong career opportunities. Companies look for a stable regulatory framework and a political commitment to continuous improvement of infrastructure.

What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
We will bring the Champions League home! I lost many bets this year with Parisian friends when PSG won the Champions League. I also hope we make progress in reducing urban pollution and that our universities continue to rise in international rankings. These two points are essential for projecting the city.