[REVISION HISTORY]

ERC election strategy and Rufián’s leadership shifts

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2026-10-28 09:43 UTC → 2026-10-29 04:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Internal tensions within Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) intensified as the Spanish general elections approached. While ERC Secretary General Elisenda Alamany identified Gabriel Rufián as the party’s “best value” for the Barcelona list, Rufián introduced conditions for his candidacy, seeking a broader coalition with left-wing and anti-fascist forces. This clashed with leadership’s desire to preserve an independent brand, deepening a rift with leader Oriol Junqueras. Despite initial contingency plans involving Jordi Albert, the ERC National Executive officially confirmed Rufián as the head of the party list. A pact with Podemos was established, where Podemos would support the ERC list in Catalonia in exchange for joint campaigning by Rufián and Irene Montero elsewhere, a move that fractured the ‘Frente Amplio’ coalition. Rufián subsequently ruled out leading a unified state-wide left-wing coalition, stating his focus remains on his candidacy in Catalonia. Following this, Rufián released a political manual titled ‘How to win against the fascists (Read before voting)’, which drew criticism from former Catalan President Artur Mas, who accused him of living for “provocation and controversy”. In a recent appearance on the program ‘La Revuelta’, Rufián and Montero discussed their strategic alliance. Rufián expressed support for a future PSOE-led government, provided it is “controlled and submitted” to left-wing parties like ERC, Podemos, Bildu, and BNG. Montero advocated for a “useful vote” to advance leftist agendas, such as rent reductions and nationalizing strategic sectors. However, observers have criticized these alliances, suggesting the partnership between Montero and Rufián lacks cohesion due to friction between left-wing ideologies and nationalism.

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