ERC launches Esquerra Democràtica association in Catalonia

The Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) unveiled a new political platform called Esquerra Democràtica at Casa Elizalde in Barcelona. The initiative is headed by former CiU deputy Carles Campuzano and independent deputy Francesc‑Marc Álvaro, and is presented as an association linked to ERC rather than a separate party.

Esquerra Democràtica aims to create a centrist, liberal‑socialist space within the pro‑sovereignty camp, seeking to attract former CDC/Convergence supporters, centre‑right independentists and voters disillusioned with Junts. The platform is designed to broaden ERC’s electoral base, challenge the dominance of the Socialists’ Party of Catalonia (PSC) in the centre, and weaken rival Junts, which has shifted toward the right. Party leaders, including secretary‑general Elisenda Alamany and organisation vice‑secretary Pau Morales, endorsed the move.

Supporters describe the effort as a “new, flexible association of sovereignist, progressive, democratic and European‑oriented citizens” and stress that it is not a “prophetic or aesthetic” version of ERC. Critics within ERC’s grassroots warn the launch may prioritize external figures over long‑time activists.