Barcelona, April 2 – Aliança Catalana (AC), a far-right independentist party, is facing considerable difficulties in securing a candidate for the Barcelona mayoral elections in 2027. Despite an internal commitment to announce their chosen candidate by April 23, coinciding with Sant Jordi’s Day, the party has yet to find a suitable figure, according to internal sources.
Challenges in Barcelona: A Rural Party in a Metropolitan Setting
The party, led by Silvia Orriols, is reportedly struggling to translate its success in rural areas, particularly in Girona, to the metropolitan environment of Barcelona. Sources indicate that several prominent figures have already declined AC’s offer to run for mayor. This situation arises despite the attractive prospect of a 6,000 euro monthly salary for city council members, with AC potentially securing up to two representatives based on current polling.
One of the primary reasons for this struggle is the party’s core message, which heavily focuses on immigration as a problem. While this resonates in some smaller towns, Barcelona’s diverse demographic and economic landscape present a different challenge. As one source noted, “Barcelona is not Ripoll, and its relationship with immigration is very different.” The business elites who privately praise Orriols in the Empordà region often employ immigrants in their hotels, highlighting a disconnect between AC’s rhetoric and the city’s realities.
Internal Dynamics and Rivalry with Junts per Catalunya
The search for candidates is further complicated by intense competition with other independentist parties, particularly Junts per Catalunya. Junts is also actively seeking strong candidates for the upcoming municipal elections, creating a fierce battle for political talent. This rivalry is evident in towns like Manresa, where Junts successfully integrated Sergi Perramon, a former councilor from the ultraright Front Nacional, after AC had also sought to recruit him. In response, AC appointed Clàudia Barés, a real estate businesswoman, as their candidate for Manresa.
Junts is reportedly concerned about AC’s growing influence in Girona and the northern parts of Barcelona province. However, in the capital itself, Junts’ internal issues are seen as more detrimental to their prospects than AC’s rise. In a notable move in Tarragona, AC presented Èric Esteban, former number two for Junts in previous municipal elections, as their mayoral candidate for Amposta. Esteban had resigned from Junts in February after losing his party’s primaries, indicating a strategic move by AC to attract disaffected members from rival parties.
Recruitment Efforts Beyond Traditional Bases
AC’s recruitment strategy extends to approaching former members of Junts, independent sovereignists, and even ex-members of the defunct PDeCAT party. For instance, in Tarragona, AC has reportedly approached Santi Pallàs, a historical figure from Pujol’s era, and Elvira Vidal, a former Junts councilor who has broken ties with her party. However, Tarragona has historically not been a stronghold for Carles Puigdemont’s party, and AC is not expected to win the mayoralty there, currently held by the PSC.
Similar attempts have been made in Premià, where AC contacted Toni Subirà, son of the historical Pujol counselor Antoni Subirà, who ultimately rejected the offer. These movements underscore AC’s broad efforts to build a strong candidate roster, even as they face significant hurdles in Barcelona. The party’s ability to overcome these challenges in Barcelona will be crucial for its overall performance in the 2027 municipal elections.
