Junts per Catalunya (Junts) officials are leaning towards Josep Rius, the party's vice-president and spokesperson, as their preferred candidate for the next Barcelona municipal elections. This internal decision comes as Jordi Martí, president of the Junts municipal group, maintains his bid for the mayoralty, insisting on party primaries.

Party leadership sees Rius as the most likely choice for the upcoming contest. However, the municipal group holds a different view on the matter. Jordi Martí, the first to declare his candidacy, remains firm in his ambition.

Martí told La Vanguardia, "I remain firm in my decision." He also stated that Junts has a "political obligation" to hold primaries if multiple candidates emerge for the top spot.

The selection process has caused frustration within Junts, with some sources describing the search for candidates as "a bit ridiculous." Former mayor Xavier Trias, who left the Barcelona City Council in July 2024, supports Martí's candidacy. Trias publicly dismissed other potential names that had circulated, though he did not comment on Rius's possible bid. Rius, 52, served as chief of staff to Carles Puigdemont when Puigdemont was President of the Generalitat. Martí is 65 years old. The party leadership aims to avoid a divisive primary contest between Rius and Martí, seeking a "third way" to prevent internal conflict.

Rius Emerges as Frontrunner

Many sources believe the balance now favours Rius. The situation should clarify in the coming weeks. Rius has maintained a "scrupulous silence" on the matter, both publicly and privately. This discretion is seen as significant within the party. His supporters highlight his younger age compared to Martí. They also point to his strong alignment with the party's top leadership. One source called Rius "the best option" in the absence of a clear alternative. Another leader emphasised Rius's loyalty as a "man of the party."

Jordi Turull, Junts' Secretary General, stated in April that he and Carles Puigdemont would propose a candidate to the Barcelona federation before summer. Turull compared the timeline to Trias's candidacy, which was announced six months before the previous elections. However, the current situation differs significantly. The party feels they are late in the process.

Martí's Persistent Challenge

Jordi Martí's main strength is potential support from party members. A consultation with affiliates could favour him in a primary vote. His continued presence as municipal group president shows his resolve. Despite suggestions of other roles, Martí has resisted leaving his current position. A relevant source within Junts' municipal sphere highlighted it would be "strange" for Martí to be on the same list as Rius.

This is not the first time people have assumed Rius would be the mayoral candidate. At the end of 2024, rumours circulated that Rius, also a Member of the Catalan Parliament, would leave his parliamentary seat. This was due to an expected designation as mayoral candidate within weeks. The organisation's previous timeline was abandoned, however, and more than a year has passed with various names on the table.

Broader Political Landscape

The role for Rius, if selected, will be challenging. Xavier Trias won the 2023 elections but did not become mayor. An alliance between the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC), Barcelona en Comú, and the Popular Party (PP) blocked his return. Trias's ability to unite votes is considered unique and difficult to replicate. Current forecasts for Junts are not as strong as they were for Trias.

Junts and Vox are the only parties with representation in the Barcelona City Council without a confirmed mayoral candidate. Other parties have already named their candidates. These include Jaume Collboni for the PSC, the current Socialist mayor. Gerardo Pisarello represents Barcelona en Comú. Elisenda Alamany is the candidate for Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC). Daniel Sirera leads the PP bid. Aliança Catalana, which polls suggest could win seats, is also struggling to find a candidate.

The party leadership's goal is to avoid internal conflict and present a unified front for the upcoming elections. The coming weeks will likely bring clarity to Junts' Barcelona mayoral candidacy. This decision will shape the party's strategy for the next municipal contest.

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Originally published by La Vanguardia Barcelona. Read original article.