In Catalonia, the political scene has once again drawn attention as the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) party has officially approved the creation of its first internal platform. This move could lead to significant shifts in the balance of power among the region’s left-wing movements and affect the interests of thousands of residents. The question of leftist unity and possible coalition expansion goes beyond internal party debates, touching on the future of the entire autonomous community.
The internal platform Àgora Republicana, launched by former parliamentary representative Joan Tardà, has brought together over 60 party members. According to ElPais, this group advocates for forming a unified left-wing front in Catalonia, which could serve as a model for other regions of Spain. Meanwhile, ERC leadership—including Oriol Junqueras and Elisenda Alamany—firmly rejects the possibility of creating a broad national coalition, stressing that such proposals have not been officially discussed within the party.
Debate and new regulations
The issue of creating internal platforms within the party has resurfaced after nearly a decade-long hiatus. In 2011, such groups were removed from ERC’s statutes, but at the latest congress, their return was supported not only by Tardà’s backers but also by rivals of the current leadership. The new regulations require each platform to have at least 50 members, the support of at least 3% of party members, and representation from all six territorial divisions.
Tarda and his supporters collected 650 signatures, which is twice the required minimum. Now Àgora Republicana has the right to participate in the work of the party’s key bodies, submit proposals, and influence the formation of political programs. Tension remains within ERC itself: some members of the opposition worry that the new platforms may become a tool for pressuring the leadership, especially after the failed attempt to change the leader in 2024.
Impact on Future Elections
The idea of uniting left-wing forces in Catalonia, promoted by Àgora Republicana, has already resonated with representatives of other parties, such as CUP. According to the platform’s supporters, creating a united front for the 2027 regional elections could reshape the political landscape and set an example for other autonomous communities. However, the ERC leadership insists on maintaining independence and is not ready to make compromises with parties further to the left of the socialists.
Intraparty disagreements have intensified against the backdrop of recent events in Spanish politics. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, similar debates over strategy and coalitions have already led to major conflicts in other parties, such as the Senate ultimatum after the Adamuce accident, when pressure on the leadership sharply increased (more on the political crisis).
Resources and Opportunities
The new platform gained access to the party’s infrastructure, the opportunity to participate in drafting policy documents, and the right to present its ideas at national conferences. The charter secures the right for two platform representatives to defend their positions at council meetings, even if they are not members. This opens up additional opportunities to promote alternative viewpoints within the party.
So far, other critical groups such as Nova Esquerra Nacional and Foc Nou have been in no hurry to use the new rules to create their own platforms. However, within the party, it is not ruled out that other internal associations could emerge in the future to challenge the current leadership’s course. Particularly active in this regard is the 1-O collective, which has traditionally taken the firmest stance toward ERC leadership.
In recent years, Spanish politics has seen a rise in the number of intra-party platforms and movements seeking to influence leadership strategy and decisions. Similar developments have already occurred in other major parties, leading to shifts in the balance of power and the emergence of new coalitions. In Catalonia, such initiatives often act as catalysts for change, especially ahead of important elections. In 2025, comparable debates erupted within one of Andalusia’s leading parties, where internal platforms succeeded in pushing for revisions of key program points. These trends suggest that the struggle for influence within parties is becoming increasingly intense and may lead to unexpected outcomes at both regional and national levels.
