Members of Esquerra Republicana (ERC) in Barcelona are casting their votes this Friday, 10:00 to 19:00, to elect a new Executive for the party's influential city federation. This crucial internal election takes place just 13 months before the 2027 municipal elections, highlighting significant internal party divisions.

Two distinct candidacies are vying for control. Councillor Rosa Suriñach leads a faction critical of the current national leadership, known as 'Junquerismo', securing 160 endorsements. Ricard Farin, leader of the Horta-Guinardó Casal, heads the 'officialist' slate, backed by 347 endorsements.

The Barcelona federation plays a pivotal role in the upcoming municipal elections. It directs the electoral process, finalises the programme, and compiles the candidate list. Additionally, it would lead any potential consultation with members regarding post-election pacts.

Rosa Suriñach, a former independent who joined Esquerra Republicana (ERC) in 2024, emphasised her group's vision. She stated, "It is not a return of the resignees, it is a new, different project for the federation to be the space for political leadership." Suriñach previously worked for the UN-Habitat agency and became a councillor three years ago.

This election marks the second time in less than a year that the Barcelona federation will vote for a new Executive. The previous leadership, elected only five months prior, collapsed in November of last year. This instability underscores ongoing internal struggles within the party.

The critical faction, led by Suriñach, aims to control the federation to ensure internal debate. They did not challenge the primary election that selected Elisenda Alamany as the 2027 mayoral candidate, viewing her as an electoral asset. However, they seek to influence the party's strategic direction.

Conversely, the officialist candidacy, Activem Barcelona, warns against using the body as a 'counterpower'. Ricard Farin, a political scientist and former JERC militant, leads this slate. His running mate is Núria Clotet, coordinator of the municipal group led by Alamany.

Internal Divisions and Past Controversies

The internal contest reflects deeper rifts within Esquerra Republicana. Traditionally, the national party leadership has faced accusations of interventionism in the Barcelona federation. This history of tension influences the current electoral climate.

A clear example of this tension occurred in June 2024. Alamany hastily called a vote on whether ERC should join Mayor Jaume Collboni's government. However, the proposal failed when members turned out in large numbers and rejected the consultation.

Furthermore, the previous year's elections were impacted by the fallout from the split between Oriol Junqueras and Marta Rovira. A crisis over campaign posters featuring Ernest Maragall also contributed to party disunity. These unresolved issues continue to affect internal dynamics.

Key Figures in the Race

Rosa Suriñach's Construïm Esquerra Barcelona list includes several prominent figures. Nil Font, former party spokesperson in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, serves as her second-in-command. Senator Joan Queralt and former Director-General of the Presidency Núria Cuenca are also on her slate.

Pilar Valluguera, a former councillor and current Member of Parliament in Madrid, also supports Suriñach. Oriol Carbonell, son of former ERC president Jordi Carbonell, adds another notable name. Many of these figures previously supported Nova Esquerra Nacional (NEN), a movement opposing Junqueras's re-election.

Ricard Farin's Activem Barcelona list, meanwhile, prides itself on not including high-ranking officials or frontline politicians. Former councillor Montse Benedí and municipal group advisor Jordi Fernández-Cuadrench are part of his team. Farin himself works at a public research centre and previously served in the Department of Territory.

The Stakes for Barcelona's Political Landscape

The outcome of this vote will significantly shape ERC's approach to the 2027 municipal elections in Barcelona. The powerful Barcelona federation is crucial for mobilising the party's base. It also determines the party's public image and strategic alliances.

Over 900 members from Barcelona's Casals are eligible to vote virtually. The results are expected immediately after the polls close on Friday evening. A congress will then take place on Saturday at the Jaume Fuster library to officially proclaim the new leadership.

The central question remains whether members will prioritise internal alignment for the upcoming elections. Alternatively, they might choose to settle long-standing scores between party factions and the national leadership. This election will reveal the party's internal direction.

The newly elected Executive will immediately face the challenge of uniting the party ahead of the 2027 municipal campaign. Their leadership will be instrumental in defining ERC's strategy and its potential role in Barcelona's future governance. This internal decision will have lasting implications for the city's political landscape.

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Originally published by El País Barcelona. Read original article.