The PNV is in the process of re-electing its territorial executives in Gipuzkoa, Bizkaia, and Álava, with the departures of Itxaso Atutxa, José Antonio Suso, and Joseba Egibar officially confirmed. This change in leadership signals a shift towards a younger generation within the party, with incumbent president Andoni Ortuzar’s future also uncertain. The party has already shown a commitment to generational renewal by replacing Iñigo Urkullu with Imanol Pradales as candidate in the recent Basque elections, and will now see new leaders in the regional organizations.
Renewal within the PNV will see Iñaki Andola, Jone Berriozabal, and María Eugenia Arrizabalaga taking on leadership roles in Bizkaia, Álava, and Gipuzkoa respectively, with Peio Etxeleku also stepping down from his position in the French Basque Country. The departure of Joseba Egibar in Gipuzkoa, after 33 years of leadership, represents a significant shift towards new leadership, despite his successor Arrizabalaga sharing his ideological views. Egibar’s departure marks the end of an era characterized by his staunchly nationalist stance within the party.
Joseba Egibar, who has been a key figure in the PNV since the late 1980s, will be succeeded by Maria Eugenia Arrizabalaga, a long-time associate who has supported his political strategies. Egibar’s leadership has been marked by his involvement in the Lizarra agreement with HB, EA, and IU, as well as his defense of the Gure Esku Dago initiative advocating for the right to self-determination for the Basque people. His departure signifies a shift towards new leadership within the PNV, as the party looks towards a new era under younger leadership across its regional branches.
In Bizkaia, Iñigo Ansola is expected to take over from Itxaso Atutxa, following his tenure in positions of responsibility within the Basque government. Ansola has the backing of President Ortuzar for the leadership role in Bizkaia, while in Álava, Jone Berriozabal is likely to succeed José Antonio Suso in leading the party. As the internal elections process concludes in late November, members will have the opportunity to propose alternative candidates alongside those endorsed by the party apparatus, before the national organs of the PNV are elected. President Ortuzar has already made a decision regarding his own future, although he has chosen to keep it private to avoid undue influence on the local assemblies.
The upcoming leadership changes within the PNV mark a significant moment of transition for the party, as veteran leaders make way for a new generation of leadership across its territorial branches. The decision to focus on generational renewal reflects the party’s commitment to adapting to changing political landscapes and rejuvenating its leadership structures. As the PNV prepares for a new era under younger leadership, the process of re-electing its executives in Gipuzkoa, Bizkaia, and Álava signals a broader shift towards a more dynamic and diverse leadership landscape within the party.
