Esquerra Takes Advantage of the Tension Within Junts

The Bizarre Situation in the Diputació de Barcelona Comes as a Godsend for ERC. The Republicans, who according to all polls are heading for an electoral disaster, see the crisis within Junts as an opportunity to make amends. They have already started spreading the idea that "they are not to be trusted".

What Has Happened in the Diputació

Let's recap. PSC has managed to forge a pact with the Comunes to govern the Diputació de Barcelona. This is a very important provincial body because it ensures territorial power for the parties and the management of billions of euros.

The government of the Diputació was hanging in the air until the last moment and was made possible thanks to the incorporation of two independents from Junts. These are Marc Castells (mayor of Igualada) and Sergi Vallès (mayor of Torrelles de Foix). Both made the decision against the directives of Junts's leadership.

Jordi Turull, secretary general of Junts, is the main one blamed for this failure that leaves his party practically without territorial power. Among those blamed are also figures close to Puigdemont's circle, such as Míriam Nogueras and Albert Batet. Their broad-brush policy and constant complaining have led the party to marginality.

Esquerra Dips Bread

Francesc-Marc Álvaro, number three of ERC in Congress, has referred to what happened in the Diputació. According to him, the support of two independents from Junts to PSC and the Comunes shows that "they are not to be trusted". The candidate has highlighted that the leaders no longer control the party.

He has therefore asked them to "put order in the chaos" because "it can have very serious institutional repercussions". He has also lamented that their drift generates "bewilderment" among pro-independence voters. "Junts does strange things and doesn't control its deputies," he stated.

Junts has replied through its president, Laura Borràs, who has refused to "receive lessons" from Esquerra. She recalled that the Republicans made a pact with PSC in the diputaciones of Lleida and Tarragona. "Some preach unity with a small mouth, we practice coherence with great conviction," she added.

Decisive Battle in the Independence Movement

The civil war within Junts is a treat for Esquerra. No one misses the importance of these elections for the independence movement, which measures the strength of its two major parties. For now, the polls show a debacle for ERC, while Junts per Catalunya would more or less maintain its seats.

If Junts gains ground on Esquerra in the Congress of Deputies, it could change the trend in potential Catalan elections. That's why the Republicans have already begun to take advantage of the crisis in Puigdemont's party.