ERC Solidifies Independence Agenda at National Congress
Oriol Junqueras reaffirms the party's commitment to Catalonia's sovereignty amid critical remarks towards PSC and Junts.
Oriol Junqueras, leader of the Catalan Republican Left (ERC), emphasized the party's independentist roots during the closing event of the xxx National Congress of ERC held in Martorell, Barcelona, over the weekend.
He urged party members, represented by Secretary General Elisenda Alamany, to embrace their national ambitions and position themselves distinctly against the Socialists (PSC) and Junts.
The congress concluded with a strong reaffirmation of ERC's leadership, with Junqueras's team securing nearly 90% approval for various policy documents presented.
The strategic document was approved with 92.3% backing, outlining the party’s roadmap toward Catalonian independence, which aims to restore a pro-sovereignty majority by 2031, although it does not set specific deadlines for a potential referendum.
The document advocates for strengthening Catalonia's national institutions and dismantling state structures within the region.
Alamany opened the closure, asserting ERC's ‘national ambition’ as opposed to PSC's focus on governance and criticizing Junts for its outdated perspectives reminiscent of past events in 2017. She reiterated that the pathway for Catalonia's recovery lies neither in dismissing the independence process nor in engaging in empty appeals, as suggested by opponents.
Junqueras stressed ERC's position as a party inheriting the legacy of those who declared the Catalan Republic in the 1930s, those who resisted fascism, and those opposed to what he termed an ‘unjust constitution’.
He called for Junts to set aside disputes, especially when ERC engages with the state to negotiate a fair financial model for Catalonia and improvements to essential services such as the rail network.
At the congress, some notable political figures were present, including Junts' Secretary General, Jordi Turull.
Junqueras contended that ERC celebrates every political and economic gain for Catalonia, regardless of the negotiating party, referencing a recent agreement between Junts and the PSOE regarding migration competencies.
He expressed clear support for collaborative efforts with business and union leaders, including UGT and CCOO representatives, to collectively advocate for a fair funding model and the transfer of local commuter train services.
Junqueras articulated the need for a robust economic framework centered on ‘shared wealth’ and criticized the centralization practices in Madrid that affect rural areas.
He highlighted the challenges posed by low birth rates in Catalonia, projecting significant demographic declines in upcoming generations without external immigration contributions, which he stated are critical for maintaining the welfare state.
He concluded by asserting that Catalonia’s identity is not determined by place of birth but by a commitment to its society, culture, and language.
He invoked the broader implications of current global tensions, such as the conflict in Ukraine, and acknowledged the role of the European Union in promoting democracy internationally.
He urged party members, represented by Secretary General Elisenda Alamany, to embrace their national ambitions and position themselves distinctly against the Socialists (PSC) and Junts.
The congress concluded with a strong reaffirmation of ERC's leadership, with Junqueras's team securing nearly 90% approval for various policy documents presented.
The strategic document was approved with 92.3% backing, outlining the party’s roadmap toward Catalonian independence, which aims to restore a pro-sovereignty majority by 2031, although it does not set specific deadlines for a potential referendum.
The document advocates for strengthening Catalonia's national institutions and dismantling state structures within the region.
Alamany opened the closure, asserting ERC's ‘national ambition’ as opposed to PSC's focus on governance and criticizing Junts for its outdated perspectives reminiscent of past events in 2017. She reiterated that the pathway for Catalonia's recovery lies neither in dismissing the independence process nor in engaging in empty appeals, as suggested by opponents.
Junqueras stressed ERC's position as a party inheriting the legacy of those who declared the Catalan Republic in the 1930s, those who resisted fascism, and those opposed to what he termed an ‘unjust constitution’.
He called for Junts to set aside disputes, especially when ERC engages with the state to negotiate a fair financial model for Catalonia and improvements to essential services such as the rail network.
At the congress, some notable political figures were present, including Junts' Secretary General, Jordi Turull.
Junqueras contended that ERC celebrates every political and economic gain for Catalonia, regardless of the negotiating party, referencing a recent agreement between Junts and the PSOE regarding migration competencies.
He expressed clear support for collaborative efforts with business and union leaders, including UGT and CCOO representatives, to collectively advocate for a fair funding model and the transfer of local commuter train services.
Junqueras articulated the need for a robust economic framework centered on ‘shared wealth’ and criticized the centralization practices in Madrid that affect rural areas.
He highlighted the challenges posed by low birth rates in Catalonia, projecting significant demographic declines in upcoming generations without external immigration contributions, which he stated are critical for maintaining the welfare state.
He concluded by asserting that Catalonia’s identity is not determined by place of birth but by a commitment to its society, culture, and language.
He invoked the broader implications of current global tensions, such as the conflict in Ukraine, and acknowledged the role of the European Union in promoting democracy internationally.
Translation:
Translated by AI
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
