A person has attacked the candidate for lehendakari of the PNV, Imanol Pradales, with pepper spray. He was transferred to the Cruces hospital to be treated. The incident occurred on Tuesday, just before 7:30 p.m., after finishing his speech at a rally in the town of Barakaldo, where he was heading to prepare for an election debate on ETB2. The Basque Police (Ertzaintza) arrested the alleged perpetrator of the attack, a 49-year-old man, on charges of assault. According to reports, the attack was not politically motivated. Pradales, after being discharged from the hospital and arriving at the headquarters of the Basque television, where a debate was scheduled, stated that he was feeling “relatively well” after a “scary” incident that he described as “unpleasant”. Although he has some vision problems in his left eye, he was reassured that it would improve over time following the treatment he received.
Andoni Ortuzar, president of the Euzkadi Buru Batzar, informed the audience of the attack shortly after it occurred, as he took the stage to speak at the same rally that Pradales was leaving. Ortuzar denounced the attack and urged society to reflect on whether the current atmosphere of tension and division is the right path for the Basque society. In addition to the candidate, another person who was with him was also affected by the assault and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Various political figures, including Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Government, and other candidates for lehendakari, expressed their support and solidarity for Pradales. They condemned the attack and emphasized the importance of rejecting violence in democracy.
The attack on Pradales comes just five days before the elections and at the end of a particularly turbulent day. The incident follows a controversial moment on Monday night, when the EH Bildu candidate Pello Otxandiano stumbled over a question about whether ETA was a terrorist organization. Otxandiano’s response has sparked criticism and raised concerns about the party’s campaign strategy, as EH Bildu is currently leading in the polls but has been trying to avoid contentious issues in their campaign. The incident highlights the importance of peaceful political discourse and the need to reject violence in democratic processes.
The attack on Pradales has received widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum, as well as expressions of support and solidarity for the candidate. The incident serves as a reminder of the need to uphold democratic principles and promote respectful dialogue in the political arena. It also raises questions about the current state of political discourse and the impact of divisive rhetoric on social cohesion. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining a peaceful and constructive political environment, especially in the lead-up to elections, to ensure the protection of democratic values and the safety of candidates and voters.
As the election campaign continues, it is crucial for political leaders and parties to prioritize civil discourse and peaceful engagement, while standing firm against any form of violence or aggression. The incident involving the attack on Pradales underscores the fragility of democratic processes and the importance of upholding respect for differing opinions and ideologies. In the face of adversity, it is essential for society to come together and reaffirm its commitment to democratic values and principles. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need to foster a culture of tolerance and mutual respect in order to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.
