Video: @gabrielrufian / IG

Unity talks declared over

Gabriel Rufián, candidate for ERC in the upcoming 29 November general elections, has formally declared the end of negotiations to form a united left-wing candidacy in Catalonia. Speaking in an interview aired Friday 16 October on El Món a RAC1, Rufián described the failure to unite with Comuns and other left formations as a personal and political setback. He stated he had done "everything I could" to achieve an agreement but was unable to convince either his own party or the leaderships of allied groups. The deadline for submitting coalition lists is midnight on Saturday 17 October, and Rufián confirmed no last-minute changes are expected.

Blame and historical parallels

Rufián expressed regret that ERC did not see a united Catalan left front as its "historical duty," invoking former Generalitat President Lluís Companys, who in the 1930s warned of fascism's advance. "Fascism is at the gates, and we will help you," Rufián quoted, framing the current political moment as similarly urgent. He claimed Ada Colau lacked the authority to bring Comuns on board, just as he failed to rally his own party. "Neither she nor I had the strength," he said. He also revealed he nearly withdrew from negotiations entirely on Thursday 15 October, only staying in at the urging of colleagues, out of responsibility to party members and voters.

I would have liked an agreement with the Comuns, but it’s over.

Criticism of rivals

Rufián criticised Más Madrid for demanding top positions in their negotiations with Podemos in the capital, isolating national Podemos figurehead Irene Montero. He suggested a last-minute deal may still emerge there, but none in Catalonia. He also challenged Junts, accusing them of hypocrisy for holding a grudge against Colau over her 2019 mayoral win with support from Manuel Valls, while Junts itself voted against housing decrees backed by ERC. "They ask for memory, but they lack it," he said.

ERC-Podemos pact confirmed

Despite the broader failure, an agreement between ERC and Podemos remains in place. Two Catalan-based Podemos councillors will appear on ERC’s lists and will have freedom of vote in parliament, consistent with ERC’s parliamentary practice. Rufián dismissed concerns over his leadership capacity with a joke referencing his book, How to Vote to Stop the Fascists, due for release this month: "Snowflake filled the zoo but didn’t decide what he ate."

What this means for voters

The lack of a unified left coalition in Catalonia means voters will face a fragmented left bloc in the 29 November elections. With no last-minute alliances expected, the path is clearer for a potential PP-Vox coalition to gain ground. Rufián warned the left must still mobilise to "save the ballot," even if unity was not achieved.

Reported by cronicaglobal.cat, psc.cat, Crónica Global (CA).