For the first time during the current parliament, the leader of the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), Oriol Junqueras, has openly indicated that his party is deeply uncomfortable with the ongoing corruption and sexual scandals rocking the Socialists and Pedro Sánchez personally. Until now, ERC was considered one of the government’s most reliable partners, alongside Bildu. However, the Republicans now admit that the situation is becoming increasingly unbearable for them.
Junqueras stopped short of calling for early elections, but his statements sound like a warning. He emphasizes that corruption in Spain is systemic and accuses both the Socialists and the People’s Party of being incapable of renewing democracy. In his words, ‘those who abuse power and are mired in corruption cannot be the driving force for change.’
Tough rhetoric
In his address, Junqueras insists that real action and firm commitments are needed—not just words—to democratize institutions where true democracy is still lacking. He calls for decisive steps to eliminate all forms of corruption and sexual harassment. According to the ERC leader, fighting the far-right and conservatives is important, but it cannot be reduced to slogans. The left must prove in practice that they are truly better.
Previously, Republicans justified their support for Sánchez by arguing that a government formed by the People’s Party with backing from Vox would be an even greater threat to the Catalan movement. Now, however, Junqueras is signaling for the first time that the ‘lesser evil’ argument may no longer hold if the Socialists do not change course.
Internal Party Dilemmas
Despite his harsh criticism, Junqueras is not calling for immediate elections and does not comment on Miriam Nogueras’ (Junts) proposal to join forces against Sánchez in exchange for further concessions for Catalonia. By doing so, the ERC leader is careful not to get drawn into electoral games and at the same time avoids the trap set by Junts competitors.
Republicans are demanding clear and swift action from the Socialists, instead of delayed responses to scandals—as was the case with the accusations against Francisco Salazar. In Junqueras’ view, Sánchez must demonstrate resolve and openness to change in order to regain the trust of voters and party activists.
Socialist Troubles
So far, no changes have taken place. The Socialists have been forced on the defensive and are preparing for a series of regional elections where the opposition People’s Party has seized the initiative. Elections will be held in Extremadura in December, followed by Aragon in February. Both campaigns are expected to end in victories for the right, with Andalusia’s elections joining them in the summer.
Sánchez’s party is also losing ground locally. In Extremadura, the socialists have all but given up the fight. The strategy of nominating female ministers as candidates—María Jesús Montero in Andalucía, Diana Morant in Valencia, and Pilar Alegría in Aragón—has not yielded the expected results. Moreover, recent photos with Francisco Salazar, who was dismissed from the government after a scandal, continue to cast a shadow over the party leadership.
Coalition risks
Tensions are rising within ERC: support for the socialists is becoming increasingly toxic. The republicans fear that continued cooperation with PSOE could cost them the trust of their own voters. At the same time, breaking with Sánchez could strengthen the right and threaten the interests of the Catalan movement.
For now, Junqueras and his party are exercising caution, but their public criticism points to a deep crisis of confidence within the coalition. In the coming months, the fate of the ERC-socialist alliance will depend on whether Sánchez can bring about real change and convince his partners of his commitment to renewal.
