The candidate of EH Bildu in the upcoming Basque regional elections, Pello Otxandiano, refused to label ETA as a terrorist group during an interview. This raised concerns as it demonstrated a lack of preparation from his team regarding such a basic question. Otxandiano dodged the issue by questioning what constitutes terrorism and focusing on political solutions to overcome political conflicts. This incident highlighted a concerning trend within EH Bildu of avoiding clear condemnations of violence.
This is not the first time EH Bildu leaders have sidestepped these terms. In 2020, Mertxe Aizpurua, then the party’s spokesperson in Congress, hesitated to condemn an attack on a former Socialist Party leader’s home, questioning the meaning of condemnation. This reluctance to use the word “condemn” has been highlighted in the past by Arnaldo Otegi, a prominent figure in the party. Otegi argued that focusing on condemnation could hinder the party’s reflection and be interpreted as weakness by some sectors of the party that support armed struggle.
While Sortu, the party led by Otegi and part of the EH Bildu coalition, officially rejects ETA’s violence in its statutes, there is a lack of explicit condemnations of ETA’s actions within the party. Only a few members, like Jon Iñarritu, have shown solidarity with victims of ETA violence. The reluctance to condemn ETA’s violence has been a persistent issue within EH Bildu and has led to criticism from other political parties and the public.
The candidate’s reluctance to describe ETA as a terrorist group has raised concerns among voters, especially given his background and the history of violence in the Basque Country. With a growing number of young people unaware of ETA’s history and the significance of its actions, there is a need for clarity from political leaders on this issue. The incident with Otxandiano has sparked debate on the role of EH Bildu in condemning violence and its commitment to peaceful political solutions in the region.
Overall, the incident with Otxandiano reflects a broader trend within EH Bildu of avoiding clear condemnations of violence and terrorism. The party’s focus on political solutions and reluctance to use terms like “condemn” raises questions about its stance on past violence and its commitment to peaceful democratic processes. As the Basque regional elections approach, voters will be looking for clarity and transparency from EH Bildu and its candidates on these critical issues.
