Esquerra Republicana (ERC) has opened a disciplinary case against Marc Puigtió, its candidate for mayor of Girona, after leaked audio emerged in which he sharply criticizes fellow party members. The party leadership and the local Girona executive confirmed the move after recordings captured during a conversation with a far-right influencer circulated widely online. In the audio, Puigtió is heard expressing satisfaction over the removal of former colleagues from the party and discussing his intention to consolidate control over ERC's local structure.
ERC says it has activated an internal fact-finding mechanism to clarify the circumstances and assess whether accountability is warranted. The party says the process will respect the rights of everyone involved and provide procedural guarantees. It will make no further public comment while the investigation is ongoing. The case is an internal party proceeding, not a publicly identified criminal prosecution or court case.
After the audio became public, Puigtió addressed party members in a letter, apologizing for his words and acknowledging that his remarks were inappropriate and may have caused discomfort or distrust. He accepted responsibility for the conversation while arguing that the published recording had been edited and taken out of context. Puigtió said he had misjudged both the circumstances and the person he was speaking to. He added that he did not intend to deepen internal divisions, but wanted to contribute to a unified and strong party project.
The disciplinary case follows a contentious selection process. Puigtió, previously mayor of Sant Julià de Ramis, won ERC's Girona basic in September 2025 by one vote, with the result turning on a disputed ballot. His rival, Adam Manyé, challenged the outcome. In November 2025, ERC's Guarantees Commission confirmed Puigtió's candidacy. The following February, Girona's local party executive resigned after complaints over the internal process were dismissed, placing the audio controversy against a backdrop of earlier organizational conflict.
The episode has brought those internal strains into public view. Digital recordings shared on social media can rapidly intensify party disputes. Puigtió says the audio was edited, a claim the internal inquiry will need to consider. Recent developments in Spanish politics have also brought shifts in party dynamics and public support, as seen when EU ministers rallied behind Spain following the Ceuta migration crisis, reflecting how internal and external pressures can reshape party strategies and public perception.
ERC's handling of the Puigtió case will be watched as the party balances internal discipline and procedural fairness against its electoral prospects in Girona. The outcome may affect the party's local organization and its standing in Catalonia, while the investigation's findings will determine whether ERC takes further action.
