Esquerra

Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), commonly known simply as Esquerra, is a left-wing political party in Catalonia, Spain. It advocates Catalan self-determination, social democracy, and pro-European Union integration, and it participates in elections at local, regional, and national levels. The party supports a negotiated path to autonomy or independence for Catalonia and aims to establish a Catalan republic in the context of a future political settlement.

History begins with its founding in 1931 during the Second Spanish Republic as a republican and nationalist formation led by Lluís Companys, who served as President of Catalonia. After the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War and subsequent Franco dictatorship, Esquerra was banned and operated in exile or clandestinely. With Spain’s transition to democracy, a reconstituted Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya emerged in 1977. In the ensuing decades, the party has been a major force in the Catalan independence movement and has held seats in the Parliament of Catalonia, the Spanish Congress, and various local councils. Notable figures include Josep-Lluís Carod-Rovira, Joan Puigcercós, and Oriol Junqueras, among others.

Ideology and policy focus on the combination of left-wing social-democratic economic principles with strong support for Catalan self-government and independence. ERC emphasizes social welfare, labor rights, education, health, and regional development, while advocating for deeper European integration and civil liberties. The party also promotes cultural and linguistic rights, multilingualism, and inclusive nationalism centered on Catalan identity.

See also: Catalan independence movement; Lluís Companys; Oriol Junqueras; Catalan Parliament.