In Barcelona, Isaac Albert, the vicesecretary of Communication and spokesperson for ERC, has criticised Junts per Catalunya's vote against a housing decree last week. Albert stated on Monday that ERC does not like it "when Junts votes against the majority of Catalan society, when it votes against Catalonia". The decree, which aimed to extend rental regulations, failed after votes against it from PP, Vox, and Junts.
Albert addressed criticisms from Junts regarding the speech by ERC's spokesperson in the Congress, Gabriel Rufián. He explained that while ERC is aware Junts disliked Rufián's speech, "someone getting angry or annoyed is not a sufficient reason" for ERC to change its political actions. Albert confirmed that contact between the two parties remains fluid.
"According to surveys, almost 70% of the population is in favour of regulating rents and housing policies," Albert said. "I am sure they are also very angry about Junts' vote."
Junts' Disinformation Claims
Albert also mentioned that ERC has not received any formal complaint from Junts. This follows a message on 'X' from Junts' Congress spokesperson, Miriam Nogueras, who claimed they had informed the Mossos d'Esquadra that they should "keep an eye on" a supposed disinformation and targeting campaign against members of her party.
Albert urged Junts to decide "which Catalanism, which sovereignty, which independence it wants to join and be part of". This call came after an 'Ara' newspaper survey published on Saturday. The poll predicted a PSC victory in hypothetical Catalan elections, followed by ERC, with Aliança Catalana and Vox in third and fourth places.
Divisions in Catalan Politics
Albert argued that Catalanism and sovereignty have historically been unifying elements in Catalonia. However, he believes they are now clearly divided. He described this division as being "between those who say 'no to everything', who are always angry, who are unpleasant and not very useful, and those of us who try to contribute, make proposals, advance decisions, who believe we add up and help the country move forward."
When asked about 19% of respondents in the survey viewing Rufián favourably as a candidate for president of the Generalitat, Albert said it shows ERC's leadership in Catalonia and across Spain. He described this result as "perfect, inspiring."
