Video: <a href="https://x.com/junqueras/status/2119491772669960571?a=y3CYUyUj8By8er-u8wk&s=20">@junqueras / X</a>
Junqueras Seeks Public Backing for Post-Election Influence
Oriol Junqueras, president of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), has called for increased public support ahead of the 29 November general elections, urging voters to strengthen his party so it can lead transformative policies in Catalonia. Speaking at a pre-campaign rally in Badalona on Sunday 8 November 2026, Junqueras stated: “If ERC doesn’t do it, no one will,” underscoring his belief that the party is the only force capable of advancing change in areas such as housing, public financing, and essential services. The event, which party figures say drew around 2,000 attendees, marked the formal start of ERC’s campaign push. Junqueras was joined by Gabriel Rufián, the party’s lead candidate for Congress in Barcelona, along with list numbers two to six, Mireia Ingla, Jordi Albert, and Alejandra Sandoval, and Àlex Montornés, ERC’s spokesperson in Badalona and mayoral candidate.
Appeal to Disillusioned Voters and Coalition Building
During his speech, Junqueras rejected political fragmentation and what he described as a “word salad” of coalition acronyms, insisting ERC is reaching directly to citizens. “We come to talk to people. This is the coalition we want to build,” he said, framing the party’s campaign as a unifying project based on shared values. Rufián echoed this message, calling for an inclusive party that opposes those who “hand out citizenship cards.” He specifically criticised Junts for rhetorical Catalan nationalism while consistently voting with the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox on key issues, including housing rights. According to reports from the event, Rufián claimed Junts had voted against housing rights eight times in parliament.
Decimos al votante socialista que está decepcionado, al votante catalanista que está harto. que aquí está Esquerra Republicana.
Rufián directly appealed to disillusioned Socialist Party (PSC) voters, stating the PSC “does not deserve your vote” and positioning ERC as the alternative for those seeking a bold parliamentary voice for Catalonia. He advocated for a government supported by sovereigntist forces and pledged a “brave group” to defend Catalan interests in Madrid.
Electoral Pact and Policy Priorities
ERC’s campaign includes a formal agreement with Podemos for the 29N elections. Rufián highlighted the alliance, arguing it brings more genuine support for self-determination than symbolic gestures from other parties. Key policy commitments include advancing a referendum on self-determination, securing singular financing for Catalonia, transferring control of Rodalies commuter rail services to the Catalan government, and implementing a housing shock plan to tackle the affordability crisis. The party’s official programme, published ahead of the campaign, outlines 34 challenges and around 150 measures aimed at building a more just, prosperous, and democratic society, free from corruption and aligned with internationalist and federalist principles.
Sources: Europa Press, La Vanguardia.
