Socialists understand ERC and serve their need for time
The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has shown its willingness to accept the deadlines demanded by Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) to close an agreement this July, which will allow Salvador Illa to be sworn in as the new president of the Generalitat. The socialist leaders understand that ERC needs a period to explain the pact to its members.
PSOE sources point out that at their headquarters in Ferraz, they are aware of the context that ERC is experiencing, and understand that they have asked to finalize the agreement in July, although the formal margin could be extended until the end of August. This demand responds to ERC’s need to convince its bases.
Overcoming internal resistance and pressure from Junts
Despite internal tensions in ERC and pressure from Junts, the socialists are optimistic. Former president Carles Puigdemont, of Junts, has criticized the proposal, calling Illa ‘the candidate of 155’ in reference to the intervention of the Central Government in 2017.
Marta Rovira’s ultimatum and the need for an agreement
The general secretary of ERC, Marta Rovira, has warned the PSC that if a pre-agreement is not reached before the end of July, they will leave the negotiating table. This position arises after six years in Switzerland, evading Justice. Rovira highlighted the need for an urgent resolution to avoid being held responsible for a possible electoral repetition.
Example of the PNV and PSE-EE in Euskadi
The PSOE and the Government have asked for patience, recalling how the PNV and the PSE-EE took almost three months to reissue their government coalition in Euskadi after the April 21 elections. Although the deadline to avoid new elections in Catalonia is August 25, both parties prefer not to run out of time.
Negotiations focused on financing
The conversations between PSOE and ERC are focused on the issue of regional financing. The independentists want to manage 100% of the taxes collected in Catalonia, similar to the economic model of Navarra and the Basque Country. The PSOE, however, has rejected this demand, proposing alternatives such as the development of the Catalan Statute and various forms of tax cooperation.
Although there has been no consensus so far, the socialists are open to negotiating and allowing ERC to determine the timing. The objective is that the ERC leadership can present the agreement to its bases, who must validate the pact in a binding consultation. This, in the opinion of PSOE, would facilitate acceptance by the most skeptical sectors.
Electoral impact and leadership in ERC
After the poor results in the May 12 elections, where ERC lost the presidency and fell to third place, and the subsequent resignation of Oriol Junqueras as leader, the party is in an interim phase that affects the negotiations.
PSOE bets on Illa’s investiture
In the PSOE it is highlighted that the only viable options are the investiture of Illa or repeat elections. Socialist sources consider that, in the event of new elections, ERC could suffer even more losses. Therefore, they maintain a low profile and allow the negotiations, led by the PSC, to continue in the hope of reaching a final agreement.
Rovira’s recent statements, after his return to Spain, calling for the unity of the independence movement, have added pressure to the process. However, both parties are confident that an understanding will be reached that will allow the formation of a new government in Catalonia.