Un tema Al Día – “El método Rufián: qué propone y qué implica” (20/02/2026)

Overview of the Episode

This episode, hosted by Juanlu Sánchez for elDiario.es, dives into “el método Rufián”: the proposal put forth by Gabriel Rufián, a notable Catalan left-wing leader, for a coordinated left-wing electoral alliance in Spain. The discussion is enriched by insights from journalist Alberto Ortiz (who covered the event) and Ignacio Escolar (director of elDiario.es). Together, they break down what Rufián’s call to “ganar provincia a provincia” (winning province by province) really means for the Spanish left, what sets it apart from previous attempts, the feasibility of such a strategy, and the potential impact on upcoming national elections.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Atmosphere and Context of Rufián’s Proposal

• Location & Expectations:
  • The event was a colloquium, not a rally or a founding act, but buzz was unusually high because of Rufián’s presence and timing (00:04–01:00).
  • Public anticipation stemmed from urgent questions: “¿Cómo, dónde, con quién, por qué esta vez iba a funcionar?” (A; 00:04)
  • A sense of left-wing disillusionment fueled audience interest: “Estoy bastante decepcionada con la situación política actual y como votante de izquierda quiero informarme.” (B; 00:38)

2. What Is ‘El Método Rufián’?

• Core Proposition:

  • Rufián calls for coordinated left-wing electoral lists, province by province, specifically to avoid vote splitting and maximize seats against the far right (Vox), especially in Spain’s fragmented provincial system (A & C; 02:01–03:15).
  • Quote:
    “Yo quiero ganar. Y eso exige de ciencia, exige de método y exige de orden.” (C; 02:32) “Si no nos van a fusilar políticamente por separado.” (C; 02:51)

• The Target:

  • Rufián frames this as a pragmatic battle to defeat the extreme right: “¿De qué sirve si Abascal va a ser ministro del Interior?” (C; 02:07)
  • There is a clear sense of urgency and electoral realism.

3. What’s New This Time?

• Analysis by Alberto Ortiz (04:12–06:58):
  • Not a classic supra-state coalition, but rather a flexible, tactical arrangement: whoever is stronger locally leads the coalition in that province.
  • What’s innovative is not the idea of unity, but extending this principle across all Spanish territory, including areas with strong nationalist lefts (Galicia, Euskadi, Catalonia), and not just “Sumar-style” lefts.
  • Quote:
    “Lo novedoso es extender esto a Galicia, a Euskadi y a Cataluña y a las izquierdas independentistas o soberanistas.” (D; 05:45)

4. Feasibility and Political Challenges

• Skepticism Within Esquerra and the Left-Wing Landscape (07:05–08:34):

  • Esquerra’s leadership remains reticent (Junqueras: “No cuenten con ellos”), though local factions (like Joan Tardà) are more receptive.
  • Coalitions would require detailed province-by-province negotiation—a daunting prospect.
  • Escolar notes that even if a Catalan precedent is set, replication in Galicia or Euskadi is highly complex:
    • “En Galicia es muy difícil porque la diferencia entre el Bloque y Sumar ... fue una división que nunca se ha resuelto.” (B; 09:10)
    • “En Euskadi también es difícil porque Bildu considera que tiene poco que ganar.” (B; 09:10)

• Emotional & Symbolic Resonance:

  • Beyond vote-counting, powerful symbolism might be achieved if leaders like Colau, Matute, and Rufián share a stage: “Esto ... sí que puede servir para generar cierta ilusión.” (B; 10:18)

5. The Issue of Party Brands and Madrid’s Unique Position

• Local vs. National Identity:
  • How to maintain party brands while creating a “casa común” remains a dilemma, notably for Madrid:
    “No sé si tiene sentido que el número uno de la campaña Madrid sea de una papeleta de Más Madrid...” (A; 11:09)
  • Madrid’s left hegemony paradoxically complicates deals due to national expectations.

6. The Role of Podemos and Other Key Parties

• Podemos’ Dilemma:
  • Their presence is polarizing: if left outside the pact, they still hold “enormous capacity to cause damage by fragmenting votes.” (B; 11:41)
  • Rufián’s conciliatory messaging:
    “Podemos ha sido, es y para mí será una formación política imprescindible para la izquierda de este país ... Irene Montero es una fuerza de la naturaleza. Creo que cuando lee un prospecto de un ibuprofeno te emociona.” (C; 12:16)
  • Escolar underlines: “Muy difícil confrontar desde Podemos con Rufián.” (B; 12:46)

7. Electoral Math: Small Provinces and the Senate

• The Logistics of Avoiding Vote Waste:
  • Spain’s electoral system, with many provinces handing out only 2–3 seats, means unity is crucial or left votes are lost.
  • Example of successful coalition in the Senado in Ibiza and Formentera: “Se pusieron de acuerdo en poner un único candidato independiente representándoles a todos y fue elegido senador por muy poquitos votos.” (B; 14:33)

8. Prospects: Hope, Illusion, and Political Reality

• Current State:
  • “Es imposible saber si esto sale o no sale…” (A; 15:26)
  • Rufián is emerging in polls as “el candidato mejor valorado de la izquierda,” possibly capitalizing on Yolanda Díaz’s fall (B; 15:59)
  • The crisis of engagement is also a crisis of hope—and “eso es muy valioso en política … la política no sirve solo con ilusión pero no es un ingrediente del que se pueda prescindir tan fácilmente.” (B; 17:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Vivir juntos o morir por separado tampoco suena eso muy nuevo… Es hasta una frase mítica de una serie de televisión.” (A; 03:15)
• “¿Quién se presenta en Girona? ¿Quién se presenta en Sevilla? ¿Vale la pena que sigamos compitiendo entre nosotros para ver quién es más puro?” (C; 03:25)
• “Si el planteamiento es de nuevo 2023, es Sumar y no entran en el guiso los partidos de la izquierda soberanista ... Podemos tiene muy pocos incentivos para ir juntos. Tampoco tiene muchas posibilidades por separado.” (B; 11:41)
• “Esto que está pasando tiene también unas consecuencias. Rufián ya estaba apareciendo en el CIS como el candidato mejor valorado de la izquierda.” (B; 15:59)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & Setting the Stage: 00:04–01:00
• Rufián’s Intervention & Core Proposal: 02:01–03:51
• Analysis by Alberto Ortiz: 04:04–06:58
• Deep Dive with Ignacio Escolar: 07:05–17:17
• Podemos and the Challenge of Unity: 11:09–12:46
• Electoral System Implications: 13:28–15:26
• Future Prospects & Closing Analysis: 15:59–17:17

Takeaway

“El método Rufián” is less a grand ideological project and more a pragmatic attempt at leftist electoral survival: local alliances, tactical humility, and a call for scientific strategy against the far right. While the method faces steep organizational and political obstacles—including skepticism from party structures and the complexity of local alliances—it also taps into a widespread yearning for hope and unity among the disillusioned Spanish left. Whether it becomes the new playbook, or just another noble attempt, remains to be seen—but the conversation feels urgent and newly energized.