Gabriel Rufián weighs general election future as ERC sets November vote
Gabriel Rufián is reflecting on whether to run as a candidate in the upcoming general election scheduled for November 29, ara.cat reported. The current congressional spokesperson for Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) spent recent months pushing for a united front among left-wing and sovereignty parties, but faced rejection from most formations, including his own party.
ERC sets deadlines for candidate selection process
ERC activated its internal candidate selection process, opening a six-day window for aspirants to file paperwork and secure the mandatory 400 endorsements. Rufián has until Sunday to submit his internal bid to lead the party’s congressional ticket. Party leadership established October 17 as the absolute deadline to finalize lists for both the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.
Elisenda Alamany defends Rufián as best candidate
Despite the tensions arising from rejected coalition proposals, ERC general secretary Elisenda Alamany defended Rufián during a press conference, calling him the party’s best candidate. Alamany noted that internal discussions will address Rufián's conditions, which include assembling a trusted team and securing more power over decisions originating in Madrid, where relations with the wider parliamentary group remain strained.
Questions and answers about the ERC leadership
Is party leader Oriol Junqueras an option to run in the November general election?
Party leadership publicly ruled out Oriol Junqueras as a general election candidate, stating that his focus remains on running for the presidency of the Generalitat to defend national ambition.
What happens if Rufián decides against running for the congressional seat?
ERC leadership has not publicly discussed alternative candidates or considered scenarios regarding former regional minister Raül Romeva while his suspension remains active before the Supreme Court.
Next steps on the electoral calendar
Prospective candidates have until Sunday to gather the required 400 endorsements, with ERC scheduled to make its final candidate lists public on October 17 ahead of the November 29 general election.
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