Illa backs Hereu for Barcelona in upcoming general election
Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat and First Secretary of the PSC, has proposed Jordi Hereu as the party’s lead candidate for Barcelona in the upcoming general election on 29 November 2026. Hereu, currently Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, accepted the role during an extraordinary National Council meeting of the PSC in Barcelona on Sunday 11 October. The nomination will be formally ratified at the party’s next ordinary National Council on Friday 16 October, when the full candidate lists will also be unveiled, according to reports from the meeting.
‘¿Para qué sirves?’: Illa criticises Junts’ political stance
Illa sharply criticised Junts, labelling the party a "great disappointment" for stating it will not support any government, whether from the left or right. He questioned its political purpose, asking: "If you don’t aspire to govern, to influence, or to help Catalonia progress, what use are you?" The remarks were a direct response to comments by Míriam Nogueras, Junts’ spokesperson in Congress, who reaffirmed the party’s neutral stance ahead of the elections. Illa insisted that Catalan representatives in Madrid must be negotiators and influencers, not observers.
Catalonia sends politicians to Madrid, not observers.
He added that Catalonia will be "decisive" in the outcome of the 29 November vote and called for strong progressive mobilisation.
Housing central to PSC’s campaign strategy
Both Illa and Hereu placed housing at the heart of the PSC’s platform, outlining a three-pillar approach: protect, regulate, and build. Hereu described affordable housing as the "fifth pillar of the welfare state" and pledged to combat evictions and speculative practices. Illa referenced the high-profile eviction of a woman known as Maricarmen in Madrid, blaming regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and used the case to highlight the need for stronger tenant protections. Hereu committed to expanding social housing construction and regulating a market he said has historically failed to self-correct. The strategy aims to broaden the PSC’s support base, particularly among urban renters, and reclaim political ground from Junts.
Illa rejects support for PP and Vox
Illa also dismissed Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s People’s Party and Santiago Abascal’s Vox, stating that neither leader "deserves Catalonia’s support." He warned both figures that "Catalonia must be respected" and affirmed the PSC’s determination to defend Catalan interests, even from opposition. The PSC leadership framed the election as a pivotal moment to ensure Catalonia’s voice strengthens progressive policies across Spain.
More Barcelona coverage on Barna.News: Jordi Hereu to Lead PSC in Nov 29 Vote.
Primary sources: gencat.cat. Reported by lavanguardia.com, particle.news, Nació Digital, teleprensa.com, elDiario.es Catalunya, La Vanguardia, en.ara.cat, cronicaglobal.cat, eldebate.com, catalunyapress.cat, apnews.com, El Nacional (CA), La Ciutat, elcontrapunt.cat.
