Euskadi is facing regional elections in two weeks, in which for the first time, the hegemony is being disputed by two nationalist parties, the PNV and EH-Bildu. The campaign is also witnessing a generational renewal of candidates, with a focus on everyday issues rather than identity debates. Despite a notable decline in support for independence, with a recent survey giving it only 13%, two pro-sovereignty parties are competing with less emphasis on sovereignty in their history of regional elections. The paradox is further extended when considering governance, as it is likely that a non-nationalist party, the PSE-EE, will play a decisive role in determining the next lehendakari in the Vitoria Parliament.
The PNV, despite governing a region with a low unemployment rate of 6.3%, is facing serious questioning and a decline in popularity due to the deterioration of public services, particularly in healthcare. The social unrest has also spread to education and the autonomous police force in a region that is also grappling with an aging population. The emergence of a less ideologically driven new generation and the decades-long tenure at Ajuria Enea since 1980, with the exception of the Patxi López legislature (2009-2012), are significant factors contributing to the current weakness of the PNV. The PSE has made it clear that they will likely continue their coalition with the PNV post-election, citing the need for a clear self-critique from the core Sortu group, a descendant of Batasuna, for a coalition with EH-Bildu.
The region of Euskadi is still operating under the autonomy statute of 1979, as the 2006 confederal proposal by former lehendakari Juan José Ibarretxe was rejected by the Spanish Parliament. The debate on renewing the autonomy statute is set to reopen in this legislative period, after being stalled by the pandemic and inter-party disagreements. It is crucial that the renewal process prioritizes global challenges, considering the significant changes since 1979, rather than solely focusing on identity claims. The shift in priorities reflected by these elections illustrates that Basque society has other pressing concerns aside from identity issues.
Despite the positive evolution of EH-Bildu towards democratic norms and their constructive parliamentary participation, the PSE remains reluctant to form a government coalition with the abertzales until a clear self-critique is made by Sortu regarding their past political complicity with ETA. With the terrorist group ETA having laid down its arms in 2011 and dissolved seven years later, Euskadi is now navigating a new political landscape with a younger, less polarized generation. The challenges facing the region’s public services, the economy, and governance call for a fresh approach that addresses the needs and concerns of the citizens, beyond traditional nationalist rhetoric.
As Euskadi prepares for the upcoming regional elections, the unprecedented competition between the PNV and EH-Bildu for dominance signifies a significant shift in Basque politics. The campaign’s focus on practical issues over identity debates highlights the changing priorities of Basque society. Moving forward, it is essential for the region to undertake a comprehensive renewal of its autonomy statute that addresses contemporary challenges and reflects the evolving needs of the populace. The involvement of a non-nationalist party in potential government formation also underscores the importance of cross-party cooperation and consensus-building in addressing the complex issues facing Euskadi in the post-ETA era.
