 Barkat saw this investment as the beginning of his interest in entering into Jerusalem's municipal politics.Barkat's official entry into politics began in January 2003, when he founded the party "Yerushalayim Tatzli'ah" ("Jerusalem Will Succeed") and ran in the Jerusalem mayoral race, securing 43% of the vote and losing to Uri Lupoliansky.After his initial loss, Barkat served as head of the opposition on the city council until his election as mayor in 2008.