Rufián ve casi imposible un acuerdo de izquierdas: "Hemos fracasado" | RTVE Noticias

Gabriel Rufián’s Apology

Gabriel Rufián, Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya’s (ERC) candidate, apologized to voters for what he called a “horrific spectacle” surrounding efforts to unite left-wing parties ahead of the election. He said the initiative had failed and acknowledged that he had overestimated his ability to persuade party leaders to cooperate.

Rufián said he had hoped the sovereignist left could help bring other left-wing forces together—not replace Yolanda Díaz or lead the Spanish left.

Cooperation in Catalonia

Rufián said ERC and Podemos had agreed to cooperate in Catalonia, including placing two Podemos figures on ERC’s lists. He argued that the agreement prevented the left from splitting across three lists, although he would have preferred a single list.

He said the pact did not rule out other alliances, while acknowledging that ERC and the Comuns had struggled to engage with one another. He urged parties to stop attacking each other and campaign positively.

Rufián’s Political Future

Rufián said he had considered leaving because he felt responsible for the failed effort, but would stay if his candidacy could bring in even one additional vote. He apologized to people who had expected him to unite the left and said parties should now campaign with the options available.

He also said he wanted the PSOE to govern again with support from the left and sovereignist parties, and warned that the campaign would be difficult.

Presenters and Contributors

• Guest: Gabriel Rufián
• Interviewer: The interviewer on La Hora de la 1 (not identified in the subtitles)