Politics · Spain · 2 hrs ago
ERC and Podemos negotiate cooperation for Spain’s 29 November election
Gabriel Rufián has confirmed he will lead Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, or ERC, in Spain’s general election on 29 November.
ERC and Podemos are negotiating ways to cooperate, with the stated aim of improving left-wing parties’ results and preventing a government led by the People’s Party and Vox.
The parties have not settled how the arrangement would work.
One account says they may run together across Catalonia’s four provinces, possibly using joint or ERC-led lists.
Another says it would not be an electoral coalition and that Podemos may give up its own Catalan list, with an independent linked to the party included on ERC’s list.
The discussions also include the possibility of Rufián campaigning with Podemos in other parts of Spain and supporting Irene Montero.
ERC is still completing its candidate-selection process, and the details of any agreement are expected to be clarified as the parties make decisions about their lists.
ERC and Podem Catalunya are negotiating an agreement to run together in Catalonia’s 29 November general election.
The deal is described as close, but ERC says Podem must accept ERC as the main left-wing force in Catalonia.
The arrangement could involve Podem not running under its own name and an independent linked to Podemos joining ERC’s lists.
Gabriel Rufián has confirmed he will lead ERC’s list, while the parties are also considering campaigning together elsewhere in Spain.
The stated aim is to maximise results and prevent a government led by the People’s Party and Vox.
- Who
- Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) and Podem Catalunya are negotiating. Gabriel Rufián is set to lead ERC’s list.
- What
- They are discussing an agreement to run together in Catalonia’s general election. The proposed arrangement is not necessarily an electoral coalition.
- When
- The election is scheduled for 29 November. The agreement was reported as close on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Catalonia’s four provinces, with possible joint campaigning elsewhere in Spain.
- Why
- Rufián said collaboration among sovereignist and Spanish left-wing forces could maximise results and prevent a government of the People’s Party and Vox.
ERC
Podem
Framework
ERC
ERC wants Podem to accept ERC as its reference force for opposing the far right in Catalonia.
Podem
Podem is proceeding cautiously over whether to accept that premise, according to La Vanguardia.
Electoral branding
ERC
ERC’s proposed path would have Podem give up running under its own Catalan party name, with a Podemos-linked independent potentially included on ERC lists.
Podem
The parties are still considering whether to use ERC-Podem branding or ERC’s name with Podemos-linked independents, according to 20minutos.
maximizar resultados
I am totally willing to help him if he decides not only to be a candidate for Catalonia, but also to exercise that leadership to unite the left at state level
respects
ERC confirmed Gabriel Rufián as its lead candidate for the 29 November election.
ERC federations and sectoral assemblies are due to nominate some candidates for the election lists.
Girona is due to hold primaries between Teresa Jordà and Etna Estrems.
ERC’s executive is due to consider the proposed lists, with a national council also scheduled to ratify them if appropriate.
Catalonia’s general election is scheduled to take place.
- Election date
- 29 November
- Catalan provinces
- Four
- ERC lead candidate
- Gabriel Rufián
- Possible Podemos representative
- An independent linked to Podemos could join ERC’s lists
- ERC candidate-selection date
- 20 October
Sources
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