They continue to have their hand outstretched to agree on a majority for the Barcelona Provincial Council that does not go through the PSC, but ERC sources denounce that Junts has only wanted to lend itself to it only when it has seen that at least two independent deputies, but attached to the post-convergents are negotiating with the socialists. So today’s offer from JxCat responds, in his opinion, to the intention of “saving face” in the face of criticism that a pact of formations that concurred with Junts could generate among the independence movement, which would give the presidency of the Provincial Council to the PSC.
Marc Castells, mayor of Igualada and leader of Junts per Igualada, and Sergi Vallès, mayor of Torrelles de Foix and general secretary of Impulsem Penedès, would be two of the deputies willing to come to an understanding with those of Salvador Illa.
Until today, Esquerra assures that he has held talks with those of Jordi Turull and Laura Borràs to take over the Barcelona Provincial Council, which manages a budget of more than 1,200 million euros. However, in these meetings, the Republicans affirm, they have never made clear a firm position of Junts. Only today, after the press conference given by Josep Rius, spokesman for the party, have those of Oriol Junqueras been clear that they wanted to explore an alternative with ERC and Tot per Terrassa to take over the Provincial Council.
However, the proposed alternative now has difficulties to progress. Esquerra takes it for granted that the PSC and some of the deputies attached to Junts have already agreed, so the margin that may remain is minimal: the Socialists, together with those deputies and the commoners, would have a majority of 24 deputies, over the 22 that Junts, ERC and Tot per Terrassa could add.
That even so ERC is willing to speak with JxCat is demonstrated by the words of the number two to the Republican Congress for the July 23 elections, Teresa Jordà. She has assured that her formation is waiting for the post-convergents “with open arms” to negotiate for the Barcelona Provincial Council.
The former Climate Action councilor also spoke like this during this afternoon’s press conference, in which ERC presented its campaign slogan: “Defend Catalonia!”. Like Gabriel Rufián, Teresa Jordà has affirmed that Esquerra will not give “the presidency of any council to someone who is not pro-independence”. Of course, in the formation of Junqueras they consider that it is JxCat who has to move the chip.
Rufián has also been clear in this sense: “I have no idea what will happen in the Provincial Council, but ERC will in no case allow a PSC presidency.”