Gabriel Rufián Passes on Míriam Nogueras and Sets His 3 Conditions

Junts has shaken the debate within the pro-independence movement in recent hours regarding the price of the investiture after July 23. Candidate Míriam Nogueras proposed to ERC a plan to condition the investiture on a self-determination referendum. The Republicans have replied by slamming the door on this idea.

Gabriel Rufián said from the start of the campaign that it was necessary to "raise the price of the investiture". But until now he hadn't clarified exactly what these new conditions consisted of.

Pere Aragonès, the man set to succeed Junqueras at the head of the party, has put an end to the doubt. In an electoral event alongside Rufián, he clarified the three conditions to renew their support for the coalition government. None of the three relate to the challenge posed by Junts.

ERC's 3 Conditions

Esquerra will demand the end of the fiscal deficit, the transfer of Rodalies, and the advancement of the dialogue table as conditions for the investiture. Aragonès has argued that these are "assumable by PSOE" proposals. Therefore, they are useful to counter "the threat of PP and Vox".

Gabriel Rufián himself confirmed this morning that these will be ERC's three demands.

Esquerra thus rejects the referendum proposal that CUP includes in its program and that Junts has adopted. In fact, Gabriel Rufián already warned Míriam Nogueras that it was necessary to be more specific in the demands to PSOE.

This confirms the division within the pro-independence movement. Junts and CUP definitively embrace the strategy of confrontation and political blockade. Meanwhile, ERC dreams of becoming decisive in Madrid again to continue applying its strategy of pragmatism.

End of the Fiscal Deficit

Aragonès has defended the need to end the "fiscal deficit suffered by Catalonia". According to him, it is a necessary condition to advance in public services and in security or housing policies. "When we talk about conditions and prices to counter PP, it includes putting an end to the fiscal deficit," he clarified.

This same week, Artur Mas said that "ending the fiscal deficit is as difficult as achieving independence". However, PSC has set reforming the economic financing system as a priority.

Transfer of Rodalies

"We don't deserve the Rodalies service we have," Aragonès stated, demanding its transfer as a condition for ERC's support. "We are the guarantee that when it's time to be there, we are," he affirmed. He advocated for the useful vote to Esquerra against PP and Vox "to defend Catalonia".

The fiscal deficit and the transfer of Rodalies have been two of Junts's obsessions during this campaign. By setting them as the price for the investiture, ERC seizes the banner from Junts, showing that it is possible thanks to its negotiation strategy.

Dialogue Table

ERC argues that thanks to the dialogue table, achievements such as pardons or the abolition of the sedition offense have been made. Esquerra seeks to continue advancing in this direction and will set it as a condition for its support for the investiture. On the horizon is the right to self-determination, meaning a referendum.

The dialogue table hasn't met for a year and the coalition parties aren't in favor of a referendum. PSOE considers the process closed, and Sumar remains on the sidelines. But ERC continues to trust in its ability to turn the situation around.