Oriol Junqueras, president of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), has warned against the far-right Aliança Catalana party, stating that it “wants to harm our country”. Speaking in Girona this week, Mr Junqueras emphasised the need for broad alliances across society to tackle significant challenges.
Mr Junqueras also addressed economic weaknesses in the Girona region, highlighting that its GDP per capita is now lower than the Catalan average, a new development. He called for Girona to generate more added value, better salaries, and increased prosperity. He suggested that industrial sectors like chemical and pharmaceutical could boost wealth, noting that while Girona has a strong industrial presence, much of it currently offers low added value. He also advocated for higher-value tourism that extends beyond peak seasons.
Economic Strategy for Girona
Mr Junqueras's views align with many conclusions of the recent Fènix Report, which questioned the growth model for both the Girona and Catalan economies. He expressed confidence that widespread agreement on this diagnosis could help build the necessary broad societal accords.
Regarding Girona's unique tripartite municipal government, which includes CUP, Junts, and ERC, Mr Junqueras said such a formula could be replicated elsewhere if the numbers allowed. He confirmed ERC's openness to working with any party that contributes positively to Catalonia's towns and cities.
He defended Marc Puigtió, ERC's lead candidate for the upcoming municipal elections in Girona, who has criticised the current government despite ERC being part of it. Mr Junqueras saw this as positive, stating it showed an effort to improve things. He explained that ERC aims to be as useful as possible, both from within the city government and by offering new ideas through its mayoral candidacy.
Combating Far-Right Influence
Mr Junqueras strongly criticised Aliança Catalana, which he described as a “white label” for foreign powers like Donald Trump, who he said make decisions against Catalan farmers, industry, and workers. He dismissed their claims of defending Catalonia while simultaneously supporting policies that could harm the pension system. “Our job is to defend Catalonia from those who want to harm it,” he stated.
On national politics, Mr Junqueras discussed the Generalitat's budget agreement, noting that some commitments rely on Madrid. He stressed that the budget was beneficial for Catalonia, bringing millions of additional euros to solve important problems. He added that ERC would try to ensure all agreements are met.
He also commented on ERC's role in supporting Pedro Sánchez's government in Madrid, particularly amid ongoing corruption investigations. Mr Junqueras said ERC's priority is to prevent PP and Vox from governing Spain, and to defend Catalonia if they ever do. He expressed scepticism about some corruption accusations, citing past instances involving figures like Xavier Trias and Sandro Rosell, and his own experiences, where accusations later proved false or politically motivated.
Looking ahead, Mr Junqueras dismissed concerns that Gabriel Rufián's initiative to create a broad left-wing front in Spain might dilute ERC's identity. He affirmed that ERC would always run under its own name in Catalonia, committed to its independentist, progressive, and useful project for the country. He praised Mr Rufián as an “excellent candidate” for general elections, noting that ERC's membership would make the final decision.
