Basque self-determination is within reach

Popular momentum for political change in the Basque Country reflected in record performance for EH Bildu

Euskal Herria Bildu (EH Bildu) achieved its best result ever in April’s elections. In the three provinces constituting the Basque Autonomous Community, they won 27 out of 75 seats, representing 32% of the total poll with 341,000 votes, an increase of 91,000 from 2020. 

The pro-independence left coalition and the Christian-Democrat Basque National Party (PNV) tied on 27 seats each, returning 54 pro-sovereignty seats in the 75-seat Parliament, the highest number ever. 

These are unprecedented and remarkable times in the Basque Country. Basque society is changing and this is reflected in the electoral results, with more voters increasingly feminist, progressive, egalitarian, and pro-sovereignty, resembling EH Bildu’s ideological stand more and more. 

At the same time, Basque society has rejected show-time style politics, which are common in the Spanish state, the disqualification of political adversaries, and noise-filled debates.

EH Bildu has campaigned on a platform that modern problems demand modern responses. We believe it is impossible to respond to 21st century challenges, from within 19th century buildings with 20th century mindsets, and that therefore new ideas, new solutions and new leadership are a must. 

But it would be unfair for us to claim sole possession of the truth and the only valid policies and solutions. The challenges ahead are so big that in the Basque context it would be impossible for any single party to deal with them on its own.

Taking this into account, EH Bildu has defended the need for new cooperative politics in our country. This entails abandoning partisan politics and embracing a new scheme of inter-partisan cooperation in issues of national interest, such as education, energy transition, or the housing crisis. This approach also allows for competition in electoral terms.

The election mandate for such an approach is clear. The popular vote has returned a Parliament that is overwhelmingly sovereigntist, 54 seats out of 75 for self-determination. It is also progressive; EH Bildu 27, PSE 12 and Sumar 1, adding to 40 seats, confirming the willingness of Basque society to take a step forward for greater levels of self-governance and to deliver progressive public policies in sectors like health, education, and housing. EH Bildu has publicly stated that it is willing to respect the people’s mandate.

• Pello Otxandiano celebrates the April election. He is the EH BIldu candidate for Premier of the Basque parliament

Unfortunately, the PNV and PSE (The Socialist Party of the Basque Country) have already started to discuss the creation of what we call a ‘Nor&Neither’ Government, neither sovereigntist nor progressive. Despite the election results showing wear and tear on their model of politics and governance, both parties insist on holding government positions.

And all this happens at a time on which every party in the Basque Parliament, except for conservative PP and far-right VOX, support the Central Government in Madrid, a government that has publicly stated it is willing to discuss the territorial model of the Spanish state. Such a debate would have deep implications for both the Basque Country and Catalunya.

Hopefully such a debate, together with the ongoing discussions in Corsica and New Caledonia under French rule, would also have deep implications for other nations seeking their own sovereignty. When one of us takes a step forward, it inspires the rest and shows to our respective societies that change in constitutional status is possible and desirable. Moreover, it shows that we are not alone.

At the end of the day, Basques and Catalans don’t want to be more than any other people, but neither less. We are mature societies that want to have all the possible tools to respond to the challenges ahead, as Declan Kearney wrote a few weeks back on An Phoblacht online: “National sovereignty is inseparable from the organisation of society in the interests of all citizens. That is, a process of democratic change, transition and social transformation.” And whenever we face a challenge, be it in our personal or political lives, it is always easier to confront it with friends and allies.

The opportunity to secure self-determination for our peoples is within reach, let’s work together for that aim!

Igor Zulaika Zurimendi is the EH Bildu representive for International Relations and Policy