Imanol Pradales, the candidate of the PNV for lehendakari, has been sworn in as the sixth lehendakari of the Basque Country. In an interview with EL PAÍS, he had expressed his desire to have the best people in his government, reminiscent of the first autonomous Basque government led by Carlos Garaikoetxea. The recent election results paved the way for a coalition government between the PNV and the PSE-EE, with 10 ministers from the PNV and five from the PSE-EE forming the largest government in Euskadi’s democracy. Pradales has assembled a team of 15 ministers, with a focus on technical expertise to address key challenges facing the region.
The new government, led by Pradales, features a mix of experienced politicians and newcomers, reflecting a generational shift in Basque politics. Among the key appointments are Ibone Bengoetxea and Mikel Torres as vice-lehendakaris, Alberto Martínez in charge of Health, and Bingen Zupiria overseeing Security. The government has a broad mandate to address issues such as the crisis in Osakidetza, the Basque Health Service, and the modernization of the region’s governance and self-government structures. The coalition agreement between the PNV and the PSE-EE also aims to negotiate a new statuary pact, with the reform of the current Statute of Gernika being a key point of contention.
Pradales’ government includes a diverse group of ministers, such as Denis Itxaso overseeing Security and Noël d’Anjou Olaizola heading Hacienda y Finanzas. The focus on sectors like Industry, Energy Transition, and Sustainability highlights the government’s commitment to sustainable development. The PNV has appointed Nerea Melgosa and Amaia Barredo to key portfolios, emphasizing the importance of social welfare and rural development in the government’s agenda. The government faces significant challenges, including the resolution of labor disputes in the Ertzaintza and the enhancement of the region’s health and education systems.
Pradales has been sworn in as lehendakari in a ceremony that emphasized the region’s history and traditions, eschewing references to the Crown and the Constitution. The new government has pledged to work closely with the Spanish government to advance common goals and initiatives for the well-being and progress of the Basque society. The support and well-wishes from political leaders and dignitaries highlight the expectations and optimism surrounding Pradales’ leadership. As the sixth lehendakari of the democratic era, Pradales faces the task of leading a competent government to address the challenges facing the Basque Country and deliver on the promises made to the people.
