Oriol Junqueras, former president of Esquerra Republicana (ERC), has launched a fierce campaign to reclaim leadership of the party, targeting current Secretary General Marta Rovira and her allies.

In a passionate speech in Olesa de Montserrat, Junqueras accused Rovira of undermining the party's principles and orchestrating campaigns that embarrassed the party, such as those mocking the Maragall brothers.

He emphasized the need to "clean wounds before sewing them," signaling a desire to restore integrity and trust within ERC.

Junqueras, who stepped down in June under pressure from Rovira, announced Elisenda Alamany as his candidate for Secretary General, aiming to replace Rovira.

The upcoming ERC congress on November 30 will see Junqueras face off against three other candidates, with his main rival being Xavier Godàs, supported by Rovira's faction.

Junqueras, who played a central role in the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, seeks to rally support from the party's 8,000 members to secure a majority and avoid a runoff election.