The campaign for the Basque elections is in full swing, with the PP holding a rally in Getxo. Leaders such as Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Javier de Andrés speak to a crowd of supporters, avoiding direct references to ETA and EH Bildu. The focus is on promoting freedom and criticising the nationalist party. The lack of mention of ETA is a departure from the usual rhetoric of the national PP, where the terrorist group is often brought up. The campaign in the Basque Country is more focused on issues such as the economy and public services.
The reluctance of the PP in the Basque Country to bring up past conflicts with ETA may be due to a shifting political landscape in the region. The presence of ikurriñas and symbols of Basque nationalism is diminishing, replaced by symbols of local sports teams like Athletic Bilbao. The younger generation may not have the same experience or knowledge of the conflict with ETA, leading to a desire to move forward. The PP is also facing challenges in recruiting candidates and securing votes, as fear of EH Bildu prompts some potential voters to consider other options.
The PP’s candidate for lehendakari, Javier de Andrés, emphasises the party’s stance against Bildu and the need to focus on the future rather than the past. He criticises the PNV and the PSE for their positions, and highlights economic issues and the need to improve public services. The campaign slogan of the PP in the Basque Country is “Open”, reflecting a desire to move away from past conflicts and towards a new future. The PP’s strategy in the face of an ascendant EH Bildu and the threat of losing votes to the PNV is to focus on their own platform and message.
The lack of references to ETA and EH Bildu by the PP in the Basque campaign has surprised some within the party, who feel that a stronger stance is needed. The rise of EH Bildu in the polls has created a sense of fear among voters, leading some to consider voting for the PNV instead. The PP is aware of the need to prevent the loss of votes to the PNV and to maintain their position in the upcoming elections. The decision to avoid mentioning ETA and EH Bildu may be seen as a tactical move to secure votes and prevent further losses.
As the campaign in the Basque Country enters its final phase, the PP is adjusting its expectations and focusing on maintaining their current seats in the Parliament. The leader of the PP is dividing his time between the Basque Country and Catalonia, where the party sees potential for gains. The presence of Isabel Díaz Ayuso in the final stages of the campaign may bring a different tone to the PP’s message, as she has been known to use rhetoric referring to ETA in the past. The election on April 21 will test the PP’s strategy and the response of voters to their campaign focused on the future rather than the past.
