Arnaldo Otegi, coordinator of EH Bildu, called on 19 September for a tactical agreement between different political forces to achieve greater autonomy and self-government and, in the long term, to work towards the “república vasca”. He spoke of an “acuerdo entre diferentes, al menos de manera táctica” and linked this to the demand for additional powers for the Basque Country.
According to Otegi, the immediate aim is not constitutional change, but pragmatic agreements that create a shared political horizon. He cited steps towards a new Estatuto (Statute) or minimum programmes that can command cross-party support. Otegi said these initiatives should safeguard the ability to govern in a fragmented political landscape.
The initiative comes at a time when PNV and PSE-EE are advancing talks on a possible new political status for the Basque Country. PNV representatives have stressed for weeks that a future status agreement would only gain legitimacy with a broad base – PNV, PSE-EE and EH Bildu. The lehendakari Imanol Pradales called on 17 September for a Statute with clear decision-making mechanisms to ensure the institutions remain able to act. These positions form the immediate context for Otegi’s appeal.
Reactions vary. There are signs from the centre and the left of a willingness to discuss a new Estatuto, alongside reminders that legal limits must be respected. Conservative and right-wing forces reject the reference to a “república vasca” and warn of the gradual erosion of the existing autonomy model. These views are attributed to political actors; no unified position is emerging.
Analytically, Otegi’s initiative points to a strategy of controlled, issue-based cooperation that does not reconcile the parties’ different end goals, but is intended to secure short-term gains in powers. Such an approach would be viable in the forthcoming negotiations only if it respects clear constitutional parameters and can command majority support in the Basque Country and in Madrid. Nothing has been officially agreed; Otegi’s announcement is a political prompt, not a mandate.
How far-reaching the consequences will be depends on three factors: first, whether PNV and PSE-EE accept the tactical scope offered by EH Bildu. Second, whether specific areas of competence – such as tax, social or security powers – can be identified for regulation under a new Estatuto. Third, whether stable parliamentary majorities can be secured for it.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).