Revolt Over Leadership Decision
On 28 June 2026, Aliança Catalana dismissed Arnau Liesa, its mayoral candidate for Figueres, after learning he was in a romantic relationship with a 16-year-old former student he met during a sports management talk at her school. The party issued a public statement announcing his removal the same day as a videoconference meeting with Liesa, without waiting for him to present his account. Liesa, born in 1995 and aged 30 at the time, had been one of the party’s earliest announced mayoral candidates and held the position of organisation secretary for the Alt Empordà regional executive. He was seen as a rising figure within the party and had been considered for a leading role on its Girona list for the Catalan Parliament. Despite the national leadership’s decision, local affiliates in Figueres continue to back Liesa. According to reports from ARA, the local party core has formally requested a meeting with the leadership to demand his reinstatement as candidate.
Local Loyalty vs Central Authority
Many Figueres members remain loyal to Liesa, insisting he is still their preferred candidate. One local member stated:
"We want his reinstatement. We still think he is our candidate, even if he isn’t for the leadership."
In mid-August, activists nearly submitted a formal letter calling for his return but withdrew out of fear of disciplinary action. The central party leadership retains exclusive authority to appoint candidates in municipalities with more than 30,000 residents, including Figueres. Party officials have indicated they are restructuring the local branch and searching for a replacement. Regional leaders began sounding out potential substitutes in July, though initial approaches have been met with refusals due to personal or professional reasons. Some, like Joan Llobet, Liesa’s former close associate, may step forward if no alternative emerges.
Defending the Former Candidate
Affiliates defend Liesa’s conduct, arguing that he left his teaching role before pursuing the relationship. They reject accusations of misconduct, describing the relationship as consensual and rooted in genuine affection.
"He’s a traditionalist. When he can, he’ll make it official and marry her, she’s the love of his life,"
said one member, adding that critics labelling Liesa a predator were acting in bad faith. Supporters argue that voters care more about political competence than private matters. They believe Liesa’s communication skills and policy knowledge gave the party its best chance of defeating incumbent mayor Jordi Masquef of Junts. "With Arnau, we could have won," some affiliates claim. Others insist the party’s momentum in Figueres remains strong regardless, suggesting even a symbolic candidate, such as "a fig tree, the city’s emblem", could win two or three council seats. The leadership has not indicated any intention to reverse its decision.
Reported by es.ara.cat, ara.cat, en.ara.cat, infobae.com, elperiodico.com, ACN, elpais.com, lasexta.com, telecinco.es, publico.es, El Periódico, Parlament de Catalunya, parlament.cat.
