Rufián calls for left-wing unity after Iglesias criticizes Urtasun

Gabriel Rufián, ERC's spokesperson in Congress, has urged left-wing parties to set aside internal disputes after former Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias questioned the electoral viability of Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun. In a post on X, Rufián wrote: "The best way to 'shatter the right' is not to shatter other lefts" Source: El Confidencial.

The dispute

Iglesias argued that Urtasun, who has not ruled out running as Sumar's candidate, is not a figure who can capture the useful vote for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in a fragmented electoral scenario, suggesting Urtasun "could well be part of a PSC list" Source: Infobae. Rufián responded by calling for unity: "Whoever can unite, let them unite. And whoever doesn't want to, step aside" Source: Infobae.

Reactions

Former Podemos secretary general in Madrid, Ramón Espinar, also criticized Iglesias, stating: "Before starting, Iglesias has hit Urtasun with a blow that none of us have given Irene out of elegance and to not ruin the last shred of hope left-wing people may have" Source: Infobae. Rufián acknowledged that there are outstanding grievances but argued that airing them publicly harms efforts to build a broader coalition Source: El Confidencial.

Context

Rufián has long advocated for a shared electoral space among left-wing forces, particularly in Catalonia. He recently praised Podemos MEP Irene Montero, calling her "an enormous candidate" and expressed interest in joint initiatives with her in Catalonia Source: El Confidencial. His latest remarks reinforce his position that internal divisions only benefit the right.