Presentation of the New National Left
In an event that marked a milestone in Catalan politics, Nueva Esquerra Nacional (NEN) made its debut in a social centre in Barcelona. This movement emerges as an alternative within Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), with a view to the congress that will be held on 30 November, where it will face the faction known as Militancia Decidim, led by Oriol Junqueras.
Collective Leadership and New Proposals
The visible faces of NEN, including the mayor of Manresa, Marc Aloy, and the deputy Teresa Jordà, outlined a vision that promises to revitalise the organisation. This group aims to be a reference point for a ‘national left’ that challenges both the ‘Catalan right’ and the ‘Spanish branch left’.
A Different Approach
Unlike Junqueras’ candidacy, NEN stresses that it does not revolve around individual leaders, but is based on shared values and collective projects. ‘We are not born from a leadership, but from an organisational philosophy,’ said Alba Camps, stressing the need for a change in the way politics is done.
Reformulation of the National Left
NEN members are divided in their approaches, with Aloy and Camps advocating a transformation in the internal structure of the party. They proposed the creation of spaces for debate and a new decision-making model that prioritizes municipalism and the active participation of the militants.
Change of Cycle
The group stresses the need for a ‘change of cycle’ within ERC, suggesting that a new direction is essential for self-criticism and renewal. While recognising the value of figures such as Junqueras and Marta Rovira, they emphasise that their role should be different in this new context.
The Recovery of Key Concepts
One of the most striking features of NEN is the resurrection of terms that had fallen into disuse, such as ‘nation’ and ‘Catalan Countries’. Godàs, one of the spokespersons, argued that the existence of a nation is undeniable and stressed the importance of integrating all voices within this framework.
The Nation and its Inclusivity
‘The nation must be an inclusive concept,’ said Godàs, who proposed a ‘conception of a republican nation’ that seeks to integrate everyone, promoting the use and protection of the Catalan language as a key element of identity.
Final Reflections
With the launch of Nueva Esquerra Nacional, a new chapter in ERC politics has opened, marked by a desire for change and a renewed vision of the national left. This movement not only seeks to redefine its own identity, but also the future of Catalan independence, emphasising the need for a more participatory and representative organisation.
