A New Beginning for the Left
Junqueras’ election as president of ERC has marked the beginning of a stage of transformation within the party. With his re-election, a chapter opens in which immediate decisions are crucial for the future direction of the party.
The First Move: The Cessation of Mombiela
Only shortly after his re-election, Junqueras made a surprising move: he dismissed Xavier Mombiela, the person responsible for the report on the controversial posters related to Alzheimer’s. This action is not only an act of authoritarianism, but also reveals a clear intention to clean up the political stage of the party.
The Message of Regeneration
With this decision, Junqueras aims to send a strong message: the regeneration of the party is a priority. The creation of a truth commission to investigate the incidents of the previous leadership is one of his first steps, and Joan Tardà has been chosen to lead this initiative.
Control and Power: Junqueras’ Vision
Junqueras talks about ‘calm’ and ‘tranquility’, but at the same time he makes sure to control the mechanisms that will dictate the official narrative about the previous scandal. This will allow him to position himself as a victim and, at the same time, eliminate potential adversaries.
A New Executive
With an executive designed to his liking, Junqueras has incorporated trusted figures such as Elisenda Alamany and Pau Morales, while Lluís Salvadó assumes the role of manager, thus consolidating his power within the party.
The Internal Challenge
Despite his victory, Junqueras faces a significant challenge. Groups such as New Esquerra Nacional and Foc Nou have expressed their intention to continue fighting from within, which may complicate their governance and lead to internal tensions.
The Fear of Cleavage
With dissidents marginalized, the danger of a split becomes increasingly real. The recent history of other political parties in Catalonia shows that internal struggles can lead to fragmentation, a scenario that ERC wants to avoid at all costs.
Reflections on the Future of ERC
With more than two thousand militants lost in recent years, the sustainability of ERC is at a crossroads. Junqueras’ new leadership must balance his authority with the need to rebuild a solid and united base to face the political challenges ahead.
The future of ERC will depend on Junqueras’ ability not only to maintain control, but also to gain the trust of its members and deal with internal criticism that could undermine its authority.