The Government of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country has called for calm and democratic maturity ahead of Wednesday’s 11 November 2026, the government has set minimum service levels in critical sectors. The relevant decisions, dated 5 November 2026, were general strike and has also announced a special operation by the Ertzaintza Its aim is to ensure that events pass peacefully and to prevent incidents, government spokesperson María Ubarretxena said on Tuesday. The police are preparing a dedicated operational plan for this, tailored to the expected protest and mobilisation scenarios in Euskadi .
As a framework for the strike situation, the Gobierno Vasco has set minimum service levels. These are intended to ensure security of supply and the operation of critical infrastructure without disproportionately restricting the right to strike. Those affected include transport and emergency services. Rail operator Euskotren announced that it would implement the minimum service levels ordered for regional and urban transport; reduced frequencies are planned on some routes. According to local media, isolated disruptions are expected during the day, particularly in the morning and afternoon.
Several trade unions have announced demonstrations and rallies for the morning of 11 November. The union ELA called for morning actions, ahead of larger demonstrations planned for the afternoon. The government stressed that the rights to assemble and strike would be respected. At the same time, it highlighted the need to maintain emergency services, healthcare and basic public services.
With the special operation, the Ertzaintza is drawing on operational plans established in the region for major labour disputes. Police presence is to be stepped up in areas where blockades, property damage or dangerous interference with traffic are feared. According to the Interior Department, potential flashpoints at access roads to businesses and facilities providing minimum services are to be managed with a view to de-escalation. Whether clashes occur during the day will, according to the authorities, depend on the specific conduct of the operation and the behaviour of demonstrators.
The government said it would keep the public informed of significant developments. People were urged to check the latest public transport information before setting off and to follow instructions from emergency personnel. An initial assessment of the operation and possible adjustments for future situations are expected on Thursday.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).