Bilbao, 12 September 2026 – Podemos Euskadi has called for the left-wing forces in the Basque Country to join forces. The coordinator Richar Vaquero called at the first meeting of the Consejo Ciudadano Autonómico after the summer break for the parties to “put their differences behind them” and stand in the 2027 elections “on a single ballot paper” – in other words, on a single list. His party, he said, “still has a lot to say and do” and would work to make a broad understanding possible.
The comments mark the start of a political working year in which Podemos Euskadi wants to put its own structure in order while also advancing talks with potential partners. Vaquero highlighted respect, discretion and courage as guiding principles for any negotiations. The aim, he said, was to safeguard common ground on policy and settle organisational questions in good time, so that a joint list would not founder on disputes over the allocation of places.
Vaquero also coupled his appeal for unity with political criticism. He pointed to what he called “devastating” PISA results for the education system, the rise in right-wing and racist discourse, and continuing price pressures. In his view, these made the case for a united left-wing project that would strengthen public services and prioritise social protection. Podemos Euskadi, Vaquero said, would “defend the public sector” and “not take the wrong side”. This stance builds on the party’s earlier policy positions in the Basque Country.
The initiative comes at a time when the left in the Basque Country is wrestling with the form and substance of future cooperation. A joint list could reduce the risk of splitting the vote and improve prospects in municipal councils and Foral institutions in 2027. But reaching agreement on programmes, candidacies and campaign management is notoriously difficult. No concrete arrangements with other forces have been made so far; the project’s success will depend on further exploratory talks.
The appeal is aimed at the next municipal and Foral elections in 2027. Organisationally, Podemos Euskadi is preparing internal selection processes. Whether this will lead to a unified electoral alliance remains open. One thing is clear, however: Podemos Euskadi wants to act as a driving force for an understanding among the left in the Basque Country – with Bilbao as a prominent stage and 2027 as a fixed point of reference.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).