{
  "id": 14023433,
  "title": "Podemos backs ERC in Catalonia as Spain’s left struggles to agree election alliance",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/podemos-backs-erc-in-catalonia-as-spains-left-struggles-to-agree",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T18:17:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Spain in English",
    "slug": "spain-in-english",
    "url": "https://www.spainenglish.com/2026/10/12/podemos-backs-erc-in-catalonia-as-spains-left-struggles-to-agree-election-alliance/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The left-wing parties Podemos and ERC have reached an agreement to support each other's campaigning in Spain's upcoming general election on 29 November. This marks a shift as Podemos will not field its own candidates in Catalonia, but instead work together with ERC under their separate political identities. The deal, announced on Monday, aims to unite left-wing forces against the far right and protect people's rights across Spain's different nations.\n\nHowever, the decision has sparked controversy, particularly from Comuns, a Catalan party involved in an alternative effort to bring together forces to the left of the governing socialist party PSOE. Comuns accuses ERC of undermining unity by allowing Podemos representatives on their candidate lists. The agreement requires approval from ERC's national council, leaving the precise composition of the lists to be determined.\n\nThe broader coalition, Frente Amplio or 'Broad Front', is also struggling to form. Comuns, Más Madrid, Izquierda Unida (IU), and Sumar are negotiating an alliance, urging Podemos to join. However, Podemos is still deciding whether to participate in the broader coalition, with party leader Irene Montero currently the sole candidate. The coalition's leader has not been confirmed, with former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau being a leading option, but her inclusion is contingent on Podemos's participation.",
  "summary": "The left-wing party Podemos will not field its own candidates in Catalonia in Spain’s 29 November general election, instead supporting the Esquerra Republicana (ERC) party under an agreement that will see Irene Montero and Gabriel Rufián (main image) campaign together. Announced on Monday, the deal has prompted a sharp response... The post Podemos backs ERC in Catalonia as Spain’s left struggles…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}