Gabriel Rufián: Could He Unite the Spanish Left?
MADRID – Gabriel Rufián, the spokesperson for the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) in the Spanish Congress, is exploring the possibility of forming a broader left-wing alliance ahead of upcoming elections, a move that has sparked both enthusiasm and resistance within the Spanish political landscape. The initiative, initially discussed in the summer, gained momentum this week following a planned “symposium” with Emilio Delgado, a deputy from Más Madrid, according to sources within Rufián’s team.
Rufián’s proposal centers on creating a unified front to prevent a potential right-wing government, warning of “illegalizations, imprisonments, closures of media outlets, and accusations against journalists,” as reported by El País. He has publicly stated his willingness to take risks, even if it costs him his position, to achieve this goal. “If it costs me the position, I’ve had worse jobs,” Rufián reportedly said.
The idea is to offer an alternative for progressive voters who may be unwilling to support the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), currently led by Pedro Sánchez. Rufián envisions a coalition extending from Bildu and the Galician Nationalist Bloc (BNG) to Compromís, Adelante Andalucía, and ERC, but insists he does not seek to lead a national political force or a broader left-wing coalition. “We seek them to wake up, to talk to each other,” a source within ERC told El Salto.
However, the proposal has met with skepticism from various corners of the Spanish left. Several parties are hesitant to cede ground or risk being overshadowed, fearing it could be a “flower that blooms for a day,” as Enric Juliana of El País characterized it. Internal divisions within ERC itself are similarly apparent, with some members questioning whether a Catalan leader should represent a broader Spanish political project. A recent image of ERC deputy Teresa Jordà’s expression during one of Rufián’s speeches reportedly illustrated this internal discord.
Despite the reservations, Rufián’s profile has been rising. Recent polling data from the CIS (Centre for Sociological Research) indicates he has surpassed Yolanda Díaz, leader of Sumar, in direct voting intention, securing 8.6% – a historically high figure for a Catalan separatist leader. This places him fourth behind Sánchez, Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the People’s Party (PP), and Santiago Abascal of Vox, according to El País.
The potential for a unified candidacy is also being viewed through the lens of upcoming debates. Discussions are underway regarding who will occupy the fourth spot in the presidential debate and who the various groups would propose as a candidate for investiture. While a common electoral brand is seen as ideal, it is not considered essential. The Spanish constitution allows for parties to present different lists in each constituency while publicly committing to support a single candidate for prime minister.
Sources close to Rufián indicate that numerous offers of support have been received, particularly from outside Catalonia, with volunteers offering to campaign. The initiative has also drawn attention from Yolanda Díaz, though her relationship with Rufián has been described as strained. While some within Sumar view the proposal favorably, others, particularly within the United Left (IU) and the Commons, express caution, citing competition with ERC in Barcelona.
The role of Irene Montero of Podemos, who previously ran as a presidential candidate, and the future intentions of Yolanda Díaz remain key factors in the viability of a broader alliance. Sources suggest Díaz is leaning towards stepping aside and allowing other formations to negotiate a novel agreement and candidate, potentially favoring Bustinduy, though he has expressed reluctance. Within the PSOE, Díaz is increasingly seen as an obstacle to potential negotiations for a future investiture, with party officials reportedly expressing relief at the developments on the left.
Rufián is scheduled to participate in further discussions, including a meeting in Bilbao in March with Oskar Matute, which is expected to further elevate the conversation surrounding a potential unity candidacy. The outcome of these discussions, and the evolving dynamics within the Spanish left, will determine whether Rufián’s initiative gains traction or remains a fleeting moment of political realignment.