Pro-independence CDC and ERC to run separately in Spanish Elections

Barcelona (CNA).- Liberal CDC and left-wing ERC, the two main pro-independence forces forming cross-party list 'Junts Pel Sí' won't run together in the 20^th of December Spanish Elections. Although the coalition got a majority of votes in the Catalan elections, representatives of both parties assured that now it is time to "enhance the pro-independence base" and fill the space left by radical left CUP, who won't run in the Spanish elections. ERC's general secretary, Marta Rovira, and CDC general coordinator, Josep Rull, consider the referendum already celebrated in the shape of elections and committed themselves to working together and making sure that the democratic mandate is fulfilled by the Spanish institutions. To prove their agreement and their will to join efforts, ERC and CDC announced the writing of a joint manifesto which will support the Catalan government's roadmap towards independence. 

ERC's general secretary, Marta Rovira, and CDC general coordinator, Josep Rull, announced their decision this Friday at a joint press conference. The aim is "to enhance the pro-independence base" and cover the spectrum "from right to left". Both parties also pointed to the need to fill the space left by radical left CUP, which won't run in the 20-D Spanish elections. Rovira and Rull both consider the referendum on independence  already held in the shape of elections on the 27-S.

To guarantee that "the democratic mandate" emanating from the 27-S Catalan elections is fulfilled by the Spanish institutions, both parties announced the writing of a manifesto, which will set the agreed action points of both parties. The document, which is open to other parties and entities, will support the Catalan Government's roadmap towards independence.

Ciutadans: CDC and ERC's decision is due to 'Junts Pel Sí' failure

Anti-Catalan nationalism Ciutadans' leader, Inés Arrimadas, feels CDC and ERC's decision to run in the Spanish elections separately proves 'Junts Pel Sí''s failure" in the 27-S Catalan elections. "The secessionists expected to obtain a majority of votes and seats, which they ultimately didn't achieve". The opposition leader also commented on 'Junts Pel Sí' and CUP’s agreed declaration on starting the independence process. "It crushes democracy and citizens' rights. It exceeds all the limits" she stated and added that her aim is to "unify forces with all those who defend democracy and whom have been involved in this issue without sharing its principles".

PPC: President Mas "divides everything he touches"

Catalan People's Party (PPC) MP Antonio Gallego stated that President Artur Mas "divides everything he touches". Gallego was referring to former governing centre-right coalition CiU, which split last May due to disagreement over the independence roadmap and the cross-party list 'Junts Pel Sí', the formula of which won't be repeated in the 20-D Spanish elections. "This marriage of convenience lasted for a very short time" he stated.