Basque Country Regional Elections: EH Bildu Ties with PNV in Historic Vote

EH Bildu Achieves Historic Breakthrough

On a sunny Sunday in Bilbao, the Basque Country witnessed a significant political shift during its regional government elections. For the first time, Euskal Herria Bildu (EH Bildu), a left-wing coalition and considered the political heir of the former terrorist group ETA, matched the number of seats held by the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) in the regional parliament.

PNV Continues to Lead Despite EH Bildu's Surge

Despite EH Bildu's significant gains, moving from 21 to 27 seats, the moderate PNV, which has been a dominant force in Basque politics, will continue to lead the government. PNV's candidate, Imanol Pradales, celebrated his 49th birthday with a victory, securing 35.2 percent of the votes. The PNV, although losing four seats, gathered about 30,000 more votes than EH Bildu.

Coalition Dynamics and Voter Turnout

The PNV is expected to renew its coalition with the Socialist Party, which won 12 seats, ensuring a majority in the 75-seat regional parliament. Voter participation was crucial, with a 51 percent turnout by late afternoon and significant participation from first-time voters.

Controversies and Political Statements

The election was not without controversy. EH Bildu's candidate, Pello Otxandiano, faced criticism for his ambiguous statements regarding ETA's past as a terrorist organization. This stance drew sharp responses from various political figures, including Spanish President Sánchez, emphasizing that ETA was indeed a terrorist group.

Future Political Landscape

With both PNV and EH Bildu supporting the current Spanish government's investiture, the political landscape in the Basque Country appears set for continued stability, albeit with a stronger opposition. The results signal a shift in the political map, with EH Bildu making significant inroads and potentially altering future political dialogues in the region.