The internal debate within Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya in Barcelona focuses on the need to overcome divisions and project an image of a useful party for the city. One of the candidacies vying to lead the federation has highlighted its commitment to a broad platform, having engaged with all sectors, regardless of their previous positions in congresses, with the aim of making Esquerra relevant again to the people of Barcelona.
This proposal includes the creation of an advisory council for the federation, comprising experts, former organic officials, and ex-elected officials. The purpose is to avoid past mistakes and ensure a forward-looking vision. The candidacy emphasizes that Esquerra Barcelona is more than a political party, aiming to gain hegemony through a strong presence both on the streets and in institutions. Emphasis is placed on strengthening local party headquarters (casals) as centers of political decision-making and on forging stable alliances with organized civil society that shares the vision of a Barcelona with dignified housing, defense of the Catalan language, and commitment to the social and national emancipation of the Països Catalans.
The debate for Esquerra Barcelona is whether we are useful and transform, regardless of labels, or if we remain immersed in constant sterile internal conflict. We must differentiate between disagreement and confrontation.
Regarding the relationship with the municipal group, the candidacy argues that group members should not be treated as external elements to the organization. The use of the federation as a tool for internal confrontation or as a counter-power is rejected, as the grassroots membership should decide political positioning, and the federation should set the course. Likewise, it is considered that the Barcelona federation, as the main federation, already possesses inherent and recognized power within the party's national decisions, without needing to act as a counter-power.
Concerning post-electoral pacts, the candidacy insists on the importance of grassroots membership in decision-making. It is highlighted that pacts must be shared and voted on by the organization, with the membership as an active agent, not merely validating already made decisions. In relation to a potential pact with Jaume Collboni, the priority is to win elections and activate the organization to be the alternative to the PSC in Barcelona, recalling that in the past, entry into the municipal government was rejected due to contextual reasons.
