For the first time, CUP don't mention an alternative candidate to Mas

Barcelona (CNA).- Radical left pro-independence CUP reminded everyone this Thursday after a plenary session in the Parliament that they are still waiting for "a new proposal" from cross-party 'Junts Pel Sí' in order to constitute a new government. According to CUP, 'Junts Pel Sí's proposal will have to contain "substantial changes" regarding "the what, the how and the when" but, for the first time since the negotiations started, they didn't specify anything about who will have to lead the new government."We are not a risk for the process towards independence; we want to make sure that there won't be any stepping back nor betrayals" stated CUP's leader, Antonio Baños. CUP assured that once they receive the new proposal they will put it to vote amongst their members in an extraordinary assembly, probably to be held on the 29^th of November.

"The sooner 'Junts Pel Sí' present their proposal, the sooner we can find a solution" stated CUP MP Gabriela Serra, referring to the current state of the negotiations between the two pro-independence forces over constituting a new government. CUP emphasised that they are waiting for "a new proposal" which would have to contain "substantial changes" regarding "the what, the how and the when". 

However, for the first time since the negotiations started, the radical left party avoided naming an alternative candidate to Mas and refused to answer whether they would instate him as president or not. In the last weeks, CUP has suggested 'Junts Pel Sí' top member Raül Romeva and current Catalan vice-president Neus Munté as more suitable candidates for President. Once the new proposal is laid on the table, CUP will start an internal consultation process with all the territorial factions. They will then put it to vote amongst their members in an extraordinary assembly, probably to be held on the 29^th of November.

Answer to liberal party CDC’s latest accusations

CUP's leader, Antonio Baños, answered some of the accusations that liberal party CDC – the main force composing cross-party list 'Junts Pel Sí' – recently addressed to them. He described such statements as typical of a "neo-autonomist" scenario which contemplates "negotiating with Madrid". "They should tell this to their voters, not to CUP" assured Baños and added that they are "a guarantee" for the process towards independence. "We are not a risk for the process towards independence; we want to make sure that there won't be any stepping back nor betrayals" he concluded. 

Regarding the accusations of changing 'Junts Pel Sí's programme to impose their "inclinations and priorities", as suggested by current Catalan Finance Minister Andreu Mas-Colell earlier in the week, CUP member Eulàlia Reguant reminded those present that many of the social measures agreed with 'Junts Pel Sí' "are not that far" from those on the cross-party list programme. "We are not blackmailing and we are unwilling to cede" emphasised Reguant. "We are laying on the table what we believe is best for the working class in order to enhance the social support of the Catalan republic".