Briefing
During the closing night of Aste Nagusia 2026 in Bilbao there were 30 August 2026 attacks on police officers. The Ertzaintza reported a total of 14 arrests and said that 13 officers had been injured. In a press statement, María del Río, Euskal Herria Bildu's spokesperson on Bilbao City Council, said that the party's programme categorically condemned violence, but that in her view these were “incidentes puntuales” that did not tarnish Aste Nagusia as a whole.
The Gobierno Vasco and the Departamento de Seguridad strongly condemned the attacks. Security Minister Bingen Zupiria said in radio interviews that attacks on police officers must not be normalised and that the existence of the Ertzaintza must not be called into question. Bilbao Mayor Juan Mari Aburtocalled for clear consequences and announced a review of security plans for future editions of the festival.
Unions and those affected rejected the characterisation of the incidents as isolated. The union ESAN called for a zero-tolerance strategy against attacks on the Ertzaintza and Udaltzaingoa (municipal police), as well as stronger prevention measures at major events. Representatives of the festival organisers and local groups also pointed out that Aste Nagusia 2026 drew millions of visits overall and was largely peaceful; nevertheless, the latest incidents constituted a serious security incident.
According to press releases, the 14 people arrested were later released subject to conditions and required to appear before a judge when summoned. Investigations are under way to establish the extent of any criminal offences and whether organisational changes beyond immediate operational adjustments are needed.
The political response remains divided: while Euskal Herria Bildu has condemned the attacks and described them as isolated incidents, the city council and unions are calling for a tougher line. Whether the incidents will lead to structural changes to Aste Nagusia's security plans will become clearer in the coming days as investigations continue and the Ertzaintza, city administration and Gobierno Vasco coordinate.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).