Overview
- Gabriel Rufián has not publicly confirmed whether he will repeat as ERC’s lead candidate, leaving the party without a clear front-runner as the internal deadline approaches this Sunday.
- ERC requires any aspirant to collect 400 endorsements from party members to appear on the ballot and that rule is forcing fast mobilization across provincial federations.
- Jordi Albert announced he will start gathering endorsements to lead the list as party leaders prepare alternatives in case Rufián declines to run.
- Several provincial figures — including Teresa Jordà in Girona, Norma Pujol in Tarragona and Inés Granollers in Lleida — are seeking the necessary backing while three incumbents, Jordi Salvador, Pilar Vallugera and Sara Bailac, have said they will not stand.
- The dispute centers on Rufián’s demand for greater control over candidate lists and his push for a broader 'alternative left' coalition, a proposal ERC’s leadership says would dilute the party and cannot be accommodated under the regulated selection process.