Tensions and Decisions on the Republican Left
Uncertainty persists within Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), where internal discussions have intensified the division between supporters of renewal led by Marta Rovira and Oriol Junqueras’ team. Recently, the date set for the extraordinary national congress, scheduled for November 30, has generated debate among party members.
Debates on the Congress and Internal Regulations
After the election of Salvador Illa, who ruled out the possibility of repeat elections, some members of Junqueras’ environment have expressed the need to advance the date of the congress to avoid conflicts with the party’s statutes. In a recent meeting, the management led by Rovira decided to wait for a report from the Guarantees Commission to ensure that the congressional process is carried out without legal ambiguities.
Requested Reports and Internal Reactions
Two reports have been requested from the Guarantees Commission. A group of militants, including former councilor Bernat Solé, has asked to verify the legality of the established date. At the same time, the party leadership seeks to clarify whether it is feasible to advance the congress. Party members regret that these debates have been expressed publicly, causing tensions between the two sectors ahead of the scheduled meeting.
Pressure for the Advancement of Congress
A group of nearly a hundred national councillors, representing a third of the body, has signed a petition to speed up the congress. This action seeks to pressure the Executive, predominantly renovator, to address the progress of the meeting.
A Complicated Electoral Context
The date of the congress was established at a time of great tension, shortly after the disappointing performance of ERC in the parliamentary elections. Junqueras, in a controversial letter, expressed his desire to remain in charge, while management agreed that he would step down after the European elections. The chosen date, with half a year to spare, was aimed at avoiding coincidences with possible elections and allowing Rovira to find a competitive candidate.
The Future of ERC: Expectations and Uncertainties
With the date of the congress on the horizon, the party continues at a decisive moment. Former president Junqueras has started a tour of Catalonia to connect with militancy, while the name of the new presidential candidate has not yet been revealed. The leadership of the party is at a critical moment, where the decisions taken now may mark the future course of ERC.
