Radical transformation of ERC
The Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) party has experienced a drastic change within it. From being a united collective, where cohesion prevailed and the absence of dissident voices, it has transformed into a space with a serious internal crisis. This is not the first time that ERC has gone through a difficult time, but its history, which already adds up to 93 years, demonstrates its capacity for resilience. With prominent figures in prison and a marked struggle for independence, the formation has managed to maintain an essential role in the Catalan political scene.
Internal Conflicts and Mobilization
Currently, however, ERC is facing a complicated situation, marked by anxiety regarding its own militancy. The dispute between different sectors of the party, with strategies that include mutual sabotage, has emerged as a worrying reality. A decisive moment materialized when the failed vote in the Barcelona federation showed that a part of the militancy, usually silent, has begun to make its voice heard. The party leaders are uncomfortable, they do not know for sure what the reaction of their base would be in an internal consultation.
Crucial Decisions and Consequences
The difficult question arises as to whether it would be more convenient for ERC to vote in favor of Salvador Illa’s investiture or opt for new elections. However, what stands out is that a vote on a pre-agreement with the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC) and a possibility of failure in this consultation would be a real blow to the formation. The fear of ERC leaders starts with their own bases and extends to the consequences that could emerge from their decisions.
The Concern for the Image
The concern increases if it is considered that, if an agreement with the Socialists is ratified, the Republican deputies could end up supporting the investiture of a politician who in the past participated in a demonstration against 1-O, just as Carles Puigdemont was returning of a long exile. This situation is perceived as a maintenance of the status quo which, without a doubt, would not lead to a substantial improvement for Catalonia.
Expectations before Reality
With the intention of making a difference, both Oriol Junqueras and Marta Rovira, together with their respective teams, are looking to reach a favorable agreement with Pedro Sánchez. With the aim of supporting Catalonia in this transition period, they hope to be able to bring to the grassroots an agreement that seems beneficial. But the truth is that breaking free from the common funding regime seems as difficult as achieving independence itself. Secession, in a way, could be viable through an insurrection, but changing the structure of the relationship between Catalonia and Spain without a viable agreement with the State is a colossal challenge.
conclusion
The claim to move Catalonia forward always implies an adjustment that, at the moment, is far from feasible, leading to improbable situations such as the one recently, where a councilor announced an important agreement with the State on the management of the minimum income vital, while her party colleague emphasized that this would apply to all citizens. Thus, ERC finds itself, not only with an internal challenge, but with a series of external obstacles that will make its march towards independence very difficult.
