Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya is preparing for a potential split as Gabriel Rufián negotiates conditions to lead the party in Spain’s Nov. 29 elections, with the deadline for candidate submissions set for Sunday at 6 p.m.

Rufián, the party’s current spokesperson in Spain’s Congress, has demanded greater control over candidate selection and strategic direction, as well as the inclusion of other left-wing and anti-fascist forces in a joint bid—a proposal the party’s leadership, led by Oriol Junqueras, has rejected. “ERC will go alone, there are no negotiations of any kind,” party officials stated. Rufián responded on X, saying he wants to “represent ERC” but only “with minimal conditions” and “accompanied by other left-wing and anti-fascist forces.”

Amid the standoff, Jordi Albert, a Junqueras ally and ERC’s deputy spokesperson in Catalonia’s parliament, has begun gathering endorsements to represent the Baix Llobregat federation on the party’s ticket, a move that would place him in a prominent position. Party sources insist Albert is not vying for the top spot, but his candidacy has fueled speculation that he could emerge as an alternative if Rufián withdraws. “The candidate of ERC’s leadership continues to be Rufián,” a party official said, though they acknowledged preparations for a “undesired outcome.”

The tension escalated after Rufián publicly contradicted Junqueras on voting for government decrees, deepening divisions over strategy. Meanwhile, three ERC lawmakers—Pilar Vallugera, Jordi Salvador, and Sen. Sara Bailac—have announced they will not seek re-election, signaling internal dissent .