ERC internal investigation into Maragall poster campaign

Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) concluded a two-year internal investigation into an offensive poster campaign used during the 2023 municipal elections. The campaign featured the slogan “Fora l'Alzheimer de Barcelona” (Out with Alzheimer's from Barcelona) and targeted the Maragall brothers, Ernest and Pasqual, by weaponizing the memory of Pasqual Maragall’s illness.

The investigation identified former vice-secretaries of communication, Sergi Sabrià and Marc Colomer, as the primary individuals responsible for the “serious infraction,” noting they operated via a parallel structure within the communications department. While the party identified secondary responsibility among other former officials, no disciplinary proceedings were initiated as the primary actors are no longer members.

Following the report, Cristina Maragall, president of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, demanded a direct apology from the party, stating the campaign offended both her family and those living with Alzheimer’s. In response, ERC Secretary General Elisenda Alamany indicated the party is managing a formal apology, and deputy secretary general Oriol López issued a public apology during a national council meeting to address the harm caused.