Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau has confirmed she is not putting herself forward as a candidate in the upcoming general elections but remains committed to supporting the Broad Front (Frente Amplio) project "whether inside or outside" the electoral lists.
Speaking in a TVE interview on Monday 5 October 2026, Colau said: "And if it's within the electoral lists, I don't care about the number." She urged progressive parties to prioritise unity over individual figures and to accelerate negotiations away from the media spotlight.
Colau stressed the need to move beyond small differences between left-wing formations, saying citizens care little about internal divisions when shared goals like housing rights and countering the far-right are at stake.
We all have to be there. The more, the better.
She rejected the idea of personal conditions for participation, including when asked whether she would decline a candidacy without Podemos MEP Irene Montero. Colau said the focus must be on bringing together the maximum number of people and parties, avoiding personalisation that could attract backlash from economic lobbies and far-right groups.
She expressed a desire for ERC's Congress leader Gabriel Rufián to join, if his party permits, along with Compromís, MES, CHA, and parties currently in the governing coalition.
Call for discreet talks
With general elections set for 29 November 2026, Colau warned that time is short and called for closed-door talks based on mutual respect. She advocated for generosity and courage among parties to prevent past conflicts from resurfacing and to avoid cross-vetoes that could delay agreement.
"Very important days are coming," she said, urging all progressive forces to put themselves at the service of a united candidacy that can deliver structural change.
Reported by europapress.es, Europa Press, elconstitucional.es, Jaime Barrionuevo of, Martí Odriozola i Marcé, publico.es, elnacional.cat, telemadrid.es, rtve.es, diariosigloxxi.com, servimedia.es, Europa Press Barcelona.
