Four days before the vote to decide the leadership of ERC within the framework of the 30th National Congress of the partythe three candidates for the presidency have remained firm in their proposals during a debate held at the national headquarters in Barcelona. The event, more than an exchange of ideas or replicas between rivals, has served to reinforce the speeches of each candidate, showing a clear lack of interaction.
Oriol Junqueras, from Militància Decidim, has called to “save ERC” and has detailed measures to promote a prosperous Catalonia. For his part, Xavier Godàs, from Nova Esquerra Nacional, has advocated starting a new stage with a renewed direction that prioritizes a solid political project with an eye on the municipal elections of 2027. Helena Solà, from Foc Nou, has been especially critical of the management of the previous executive, highlighting the shadow of structure B and promising to end the “vassalage” to the PSC.
The debate, moderated by the party’s vice secretary of communication, Oriol Duran, has been structured into several blocks. The candidates have explained the reasons why they want to preside over ERC, the differences with the other candidates, how they hope to regain the trust of the militancy and what their first action will be if they are elected.
Junqueras focuses the speech on militancy
Junqueras, the candidate with the most endorsements, has placed emphasis on the challenges that affect the countrysuch as poverty, rising rental prices, the quality of public services and improving infrastructure. According to him, the party must prioritize “effective political actions” and reconnect with key sectors such as farmers and workerswhich he considers neglected in recent years.
This strategy has served Junqueras to dodge criticism about structure B and direct questions about his vote in the consultation for the investiture of Salvador Illa. However, Helena Solà has launched a frontal attack, stating that “Illa cannot be accused of being a delegate of the Moncloa during the campaign and, afterwards, giving him the key to the Generalitat.” Solà has also denounced the lack of party coherence and has assured that the parking of independence is the main cause of the loss of support in recent years.
Solà and Godàs demand responsibilities
The only presidential woman has defended that to regain the confidence of the militancy it is necessary to “clean up” and “recover the pride of belonging.” He has announced that, if he wins, he will hire an audit to clarify internal affairs, while Junqueras has proposed the creation of a Truth Commission. The Foc Nou candidate has also stressed her total opposition to agreeing with the PSC, which she considers incompatible with the party’s values.
Godàs, for his part, has pressured Junqueras to reveal his support for Illa, while promising to assume responsibility in any situation, “be it good, bad or average”, if he leads the party. Regarding structure B, he has criticized the lack of transparency and has stressed the need for a clear separation between positions in the Government and the internal organization of CKD.
Junqueras has tried to divert attention, stating that he only considers himself responsible for the party “when I had full capacity“, in reference to the period he spent in prison. This week it emerged that during his imprisonment in Lledoners he received more than 500 visits.
A debate with fewer reproaches than expected
Despite the disagreements, the debate has been more conciliatory than expected. Junqueras has invited the rest of the candidates to work together to rebuild the party, while Godàs has proposed collaborating in writing a political presentation. The main differences have arisen on points such as the relationship with the PSC and the need for internal regeneration, with Solà maintaining an inflexible stance and Godàs opting for a more pragmatic direction.
In short, the debate has reflected a divided ERC, with opposing visions but with a common denominator: the need to regain the trust of the militancy and rebuild the party’s political project to face future challenges.
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