Gabriel Rufián, the spokesperson for Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) in the Spanish Congress, has sharply criticised the independentist right. He particularly targeted Junts for a perceived political "regression." Rufián also advocated for "infernal taxation" on speculative housing purchases. He made these statements in an interview with La Vanguardia, published on Sunday, 26 April.
ERC's Vision for Catalan Left
Rufián expressed his refusal for ERC to be dragged into past positions. He stated, "I refuse, I want a winning Esquerra, that understands this country is diverse, that understands we had a president executed by fascism, that understands that today, whether we like it or not, the country we have is what it is." He emphasised ERC's role in addressing the concerns of ordinary working people. He noted his party aims to speak to "people returning from their precarious jobs on a crowded train, on a crowded metro, looking at their mobile phones, not reading Gramsci or Fuster."
The ERC spokesperson also condemned Junts for consistently voting with the conservative Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox against working-class interests over the past two years. He specifically highlighted Junts' opposition to a decree designed to prevent the eviction of three million people. Rufián called this opposition "terrible" and stated it "deserves all my reproach." He questioned Junts' claims of defending Catalans, asking, "When Junts says it defends Catalans, which Catalans? The rich ones?"
Rufián stressed the current political climate, warning of a potential 200-seat majority for the PP and the "ultraright" in Spain. He claimed these parties intend to emulate former US President Trump and seek to outlaw ERC. "It seems negligent not to say it," Rufián remarked. "It seems curious that people are not terrified." He added that "we risk them changing practically the entire staff of your newspaper. Or closing public radio and television in Catalonia."
He urged the public to recognise the gravity of the situation, stating, "It seems incredible that people are not terrified." Rufián believes ERC, with its anti-fascist history, is uniquely positioned to lead the Catalan left and inspire the Spanish left. He affirmed this stance does not diminish ERC's commitment to independence, saying, "That does not make us less independentist."
Tackling Catalonia's Housing Crisis
Addressing the critical issue of housing, Rufián openly admitted the left's shortcomings. He stated, "I say it openly. The left has failed in two things: housing and living conditions." He pointed to the rising cost of living, noting, "It is indecent that oil in this country has an alarm." He argued that soaring macroeconomic figures do not reflect the reality of high prices faced by residents.
Rufián proposed a radical solution for housing affordability, advocating for "infernal taxation" on speculative property purchases. He suggested implementing models similar to those in the Netherlands or Singapore. This policy would specifically target the acquisition of a third home or more for investment purposes. This aims to curb property speculation, which contributes to Catalonia's high rental prices and housing shortages.
Political Realities and Future Direction
Despite ERC's independentist goals, Rufián acknowledged the current political reality in Catalonia. He noted that barely 50% of the Catalan population supports the independence process. "Do I like it? No, but I am aware of that reality," he conceded. He therefore advocates for good governance in Spain while Catalonia remains part of the country.
Rufián expressed a wish for Junts to face "political ostracism for years" if it continues its "reactionary drift." This ongoing political friction between the two major independentist parties shapes the political landscape in Catalonia. The debate over housing and social policies will likely continue to be a central point of contention.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
