The recent elections in the Basque Country have shown a shift towards focusing on governance rather than identity politics, with the Basque nationalists winning a historic 54 out of 75 seats in the Parliament. Despite some mistakes, the left-wing abertzale movement also achieved a historic result, with nearly one in three votes, by emphasizing social policies over independence claims. The PNV retains power, but it is clear that the hegemony now belongs to two main parties, with Bildu gaining ground. This shift comes as Basque society moves away from risky ventures following the failure of the Ibarretxe Plan and the end of ETA. Bildu, however, seems to be in transition, as seen with leader Pello Otxandiano’s refusal to recognize ETA as a terrorist group, possibly due to concerns about the stability of the coalition.
The elections in the Basque Country also serve as a warning for Catalonia, showing that issues such as healthcare, education, and governance hold more weight than the independence debate. Unlike in Catalonia, where the focus is still on the pro-independence movement, the Basque elections saw no mention of self-determination referendums or prioritizing Statute reform. The differences between the two regions are evident, with Catalonia and the Basque Country following different paths. The second lesson from the Basque elections concerns the national political landscape, with the Socialists gaining importance in forming a government, the People’s Party improving from previous results but still struggling with relevance, and Vox maintaining its seat in Alava.
Pedro Sánchez’s position strengthens after the elections, setting a more positive tone for the upcoming Catalan and European elections, as well as bolstering his parliamentary majority with the support of the PSE in the Basque Country. However, the situation in Catalonia remains uncertain, with potential consequences for Spain’s governance becoming more apparent. The left-wing parties to the left of the PSOE face challenges, as evident in their poor performance in Galicia and the Basque Country with Sumar losing seats and Podemos disappearing. The changing dynamics within the right-wing parties in Spain, moving towards libertarian and populist ideas, contrast with the left’s tendency to fragment and uphold moral superiority in times of crisis.
The focus on local politics and the lessons learned from the Basque elections highlight the need for governance and effective leadership in addressing societal issues. While the Basque Country shifts towards a more pragmatic approach in governance, Catalonia remains entrenched in the independence debate, creating a divergence in priorities between the two regions. The political landscape in Spain reflects the evolving dynamics within the left and right-wing parties, with the need for unity and strategic planning becoming crucial in navigating the uncertain future of Spanish politics. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the challenges faced by the left-wing parties to regain relevance and address societal concerns become more apparent. The lessons learned from the Basque elections underscore the importance of prioritizing governance and policy over identity politics in shaping the future of the region.
