Conference Overview

On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, Oriol junqueras, president of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), addressed approximately 600 attendees at the National Theater of Catalonia (TNC) in Barcelona. The conference,titled ‘A new National Ambition,’ served as a platform for Junqueras to articulate his party’s platform and his aspirations for Catalonia as he prepares to potentially lead Republicans in the next parliamentary elections. the event focused heavily on the importance of pact-building as a cornerstone of catalan policy.

Emphasis on Pact Policy

Junqueras championed a “pact policy” as essential for constructing a society that prioritizes both democracy and the welfare state. He argued that this approach is vital for fostering “hope against fear.” This emphasis on collaboration comes at a time when ERC holds a crucial position in both the Spanish Cortes Generales (national parliament) and the Catalan Parliament, having recently reached agreements with the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ party) and the PSC (Socialists’ Party of Catalonia).

junqueras subtly criticized the PSOE, stating that “Frequently enough, they find it hard to comply” with agreements, without directly naming the party. This comment suggests potential challenges in future collaborations despite recent successes.

Attendees

The conference drew representatives from various catalan political parties, including:

• Josep Rivers (Together for Catalonia – Junts)
• Candela López (Catalonia in Common – Catalunya en Comú)
• Saavedra (We Can Catalonia – Podem Catalunya)
• Héctor Sánchez and Nora Sánchez (Communists of Catalonia – Comunistes de Catalunya)

The presence of representatives from diverse political factions underscores the importance of the event and Junqueras’ attempt to appeal to a broad spectrum of Catalan society.

Context and Importance

The timing of this conference is important as Catalonia prepares for upcoming parliamentary elections. ERC’s position as a key player in both the Spanish and Catalan parliaments gives it considerable influence in shaping the political landscape. Junqueras’ focus on pact-building reflects a strategic attempt to navigate the complex political dynamics and secure favorable outcomes for Catalonia.