In response to the overwhelming disapproval of his original strategy, Gabriel Rufián, the spokesperson for ERC in Congress, has shifted from advocating for party withdrawals to proposing a more collaborative approach for the formation of mixed lists ahead of the upcoming general elections. His initial plan sought to consolidate leftist parties, including independence movements, into a single robust list in each province to prevent division among progressive voters, specifically to counter the rise of the far-right party Vox. However, this approach met with significant resistance from various parties who were unwilling to step aside in constituencies where they have established voter bases.

Rufián's new proposal to create candidate lists composed of multiple parties signals a strategic pivot aimed at fostering a collective identity among leftist factions while respecting their individual electoral strengths. By advocating for what he terms "confluences," Rufián is encouraging collaboration without requiring parties to abandon their autonomy or voter support in competitive districts. This approach attempts to build a broad coalition that retains the unique identities of participating parties, while simultaneously addressing the pressing need to unify progressive voters against the backdrop of increasing right-wing influence in Spanish politics.

This change is highly significant as it reflects ongoing tensions within the left regarding electoral strategy and unity. Many smaller parties have firmly rejected the idea of withdrawing in favor of larger, more dominant parties, for fear of jeopardizing their electoral future. By promoting a system where all voices can be represented, Rufián aims to reconcile these concerns while working towards a common goal — potentially reshaping the left's electoral strategy in a way that could prove crucial in the face of challenges posed by Vox and other right-leaning forces in the forthcoming elections.