Category Archives: SPAIN

with her chosen career path. As a seasoned politician, Isabel understands the importance of dedication and commitment in serving the public. However, what sets her apart is the unwavering passion she brings to her role, which she believes is essential for driving positive change in society.

Growing up in a politically active household, Isabel was exposed to the world of politics from a young age. She witnessed firsthand the impact that dedicated individuals can have on their communities and aspired to follow in their footsteps. From volunteering for local campaigns to actively engaging in grassroots movements, Isabel was determined to make a difference.

Her dedication extends beyond the usual realm of politics. Isabel is committed to tackling social issues, advocating for marginalized communities, and championing causes that are often overlooked. She firmly believes that addressing these pressing matters requires not just political maneuvering, but also a genuine connection with the people she serves.

Isabel’s dedication is evident in the countless hours she spends listening to constituents, attending community events, and seeking innovative solutions to address complex problems. She believes that being accessible to the public and understanding their needs is crucial for effective governance. This dedication has earned her the trust and respect of many, as they see her as a true champion for their concerns and aspirations.

While some may view dedication as a rare quality in the world of politics, Isabel Salas sees it as an integral part of her identity. She believes that her dedication, combined with her experience and expertise, enables her to effectively navigate the political landscape and bring about meaningful change. Her commitment to serving the public remains unshakable and continues to drive her every day.

In conclusion, Isabel Salas’s dedication to her role as a professional politician is not only unusual but also admirable. Her unwavering passion and commitment towards making a positive impact set her apart from her peers. It is this unique blend of dedication and expertise that allows her to serve the public with utmost sincerity and efficacy.

Sources close to Ferraz’s leadership argue that the PP “is attempting to cling onto a long-lost cause” by organizing another large-scale demonstration in Madrid on Sunday against a pardon measure that would absolve individuals prosecuted for their actions.

Otxandiano faces 21-A with fear that his refusal to condemn ETA will bring down Bildu's euphoria

Just a row of buildings separates Bilbao’s Plaza Nueva – where Pello Otxandiano concludes his campaign – from El Arenal – where Imanol Pradales does the same -. A row as narrow as the margin that will determine, next Sunday, whether Bildu takes the Basque Parliament’s dominance away from the PNV. The jeltzales meeting was accompanied by the lively sound of bagpipes, while the nationalist rally was surrounded by a cluster of terraces where live music played. Both events were well-attended and even attracted some Athletic fans wearing their team’s jerseys before heading to San Mamés.

Located in the heart of historic Bilbao, in front of the Royal Academy of the Basque Language, Bildu concluded its electoral campaign yesterday. This campaign could mark the first victory for the nationalist left in the Basque elections. However, Pello Otxandiano’s refusal to classify ETA as a “terrorist band” has generated controversy and could have repercussions at the polls. The most recent Sigma Dos poll for EL MUNDO predicts 34% of the vote and up to 30 seats for Bildu, but the 340,000 undecided Basques could sway the results based on Otxandiano’s stance on ETA.

Concerned about the impact it may have, Otxandiano quickly modified his speech, asking for forgiveness for “hurting the sensitivity of the victims of ETA” to mitigate potential damage and maintain the positive trajectory of Bildu’s campaign in recent weeks. Now, the focus is on those undecided voters who could be swayed by his words to choose a different political alternative.

“We could have chosen to make promises and distort the words of the opponent,” reproached the candidate, “but we chose to confront the situation our country is facing, to rise above it and elevate the political discourse.” Otxandiano urged voters to support “change,” asserting that it can only be achieved if EH Bildu achieves their best results in history. He was accompanied by Arnaldo Otegi, the general coordinator of the abertzales, and prominent figures in the nationalist left, such as Pere Aragonès, the president of the Generalitat, and Conor Murphy, the Minister of Economy of Northern Ireland.

Bildu’s campaign closing was consistent with their overall tone in recent weeks, focusing on “political regeneration,” housing, and public health. These issues have also helped reconnect with confederal left voters who feel left without options due to the fracture between Podemos and Sumar. Gone are the days when Iglesias’ party took away Bildu’s traditional strongholds in Gipuzkoa.

While a potential victory for the Abertzales on Sunday would signify a historic defeat for the PNV, who have been the leading force in all regional elections since the Transition, except for the PSE’s victory in 1986, Bildu has reopened the possibility of a pact between nationalists. “We extend our hands,” reiterated Otegi in Bilbao, expressing openness to agreements between the left that “fulfills the popular mandate beyond party alliances.” The objective is to prevent the sum of votes from the PNV and the PSE from being sufficient to maintain the current coalition government, making Bildu or the PP the determining factor in governing.

Pradales draws on the "pride" of the PNV to guarantee a "strong majority" even if it loses to Bildu

The PNV concluded the political cycle of Lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu on Friday and confidently welcomed the beginning of Imanol Pradales’ presidency. Embracing their traditions, the nationalist leaders captured a photo of Pradales with his predecessors, Iñigo Urkullu and Juan José Ibarretxe, on Thursday. Riding the momentum of the final week of the electoral campaign, Imanol Pradales made a last plea for support for his party to achieve a “strong majority for a strong Government,” even if Bildu wins more seats.

Taking advantage of the campaign’s closing on Friday, the PNV reminded the thousands of undecided voters – their weak spot in this election – that “the future of Euskadi is at stake” next Sunday, while wrapping each of their messages with the conviction that Imanol Pradales will become the next lehendakari. With boosted morale in recent days but uncertainty about the final result, Pradales dreamed of “a united Euskadi without exclusions” after two weeks of seeking confrontation with the EH Bildu model.

“It is the moment of truth,” Pradales urged his colleagues and supporters as he sought to secure the last votes that would guarantee governability for the PNV starting on April 21. Pradales and PNV President Andoni Ortuzar downplayed the importance of who will win at the polls on Sunday, instead focusing on the institutional leadership they have secured through the continuation of their pact with the Basque PSOE of Eneko Andueza. “On Sunday, a new era will begin for Euskadi, a new chapter for this country, and it will happen hand in hand with the PNV,” said Ortuzar, who admitted to his followers that he does not know who will win the elections.

Fully aware of the tight race with EH Bildu in terms of seats, PNV leaders intend to work tirelessly for every vote until the polls close at 8 pm on Sunday. “We do not want a polarized Euskadi, a return to the past, a regression,” Ortuzar stated during an event that also served as an opportunity to pay tribute to Iñigo Urkullu, the Lehendakari who was inaugurated for the first time on December 15, 2012. Nearly twelve years later, his successor, Imanol Pradales, sought to complement his image as an institutional manager with the emotional ties of his PNV membership. In fact, the lehendakari candidate with eight Spanish surnames sought to close an emotionally-charged campaign, which even included a pepper spray attack.

Pradales dedicated a significant portion of his speech in Spanish to honoring his father as “an anonymous Basque nationalist.” The lehendakari candidate appealed to the “example and commitment” of his father, who participated in the rejuvenation of the PNV in Santurtzi and was also part of the volunteer security team at internal events. They were both “ertzainas of the party” and participated in internal milestones such as the laying of the cornerstone in 1991 for the modern PNV headquarters in the center of Bilbao. “I am proud to be Basque and to belong to the PNV,” declared Pradales, the candidate who made a significant leap in both debate series and political rallies in the final days of the campaign.

The Lehendakari candidate used that “pride” as a distinguishing factor in response to criticism from other parties, including the Basque PSOE, regarding the management of public services such as healthcare, which are highly valued by the Basque people. This message was complemented by Andoni Ortuzar, who endorsed the “punishment vote” for EH Bildu, demanding that the PNV receive “votes in favor, votes for progress, votes with Euskadi in mind and in the heart.”

Let the reflection spread

The electoral campaign in Euskadi has coincided with two highly-anticipated football matches: the electrifying Copa del Rey final between Athletic and Mallorca, followed by the iconic clash between Real Madrid and Barça, which, although generating less enthusiasm in Euskadi, marks the beginning of the campaign for the Catalan elections.

Otxandiano, an engineer and the preferred candidate of Pedro Sánchez’s ally, Arnaldo Otegi, has emerged as a prominent figure in the campaign.

At the home of Sánchez's bishop who decides in Euskadi: he risked his life against ETA and "for the game"

“What are you willing to do for the team?” “Anything”. This question, almost like a litmus test for political dedication, remains etched in Arcadio Benítez’s memory. The response, unhesitating and direct, came from a young, clean-shaven Eneko Andueza Lorenzo (born in Éibar in 1979). In the Éibar socialist group’s meeting room, Benítez’s words hang in the air like profound statements. Now retired, this former chemical industry employee captivates the attention of his three colleagues.

Uralde, Podemos's record man in 2015 and penultimate bullet to not disappear today

Few individuals can capture the story of Podemos quite like Juan Lopez de Uralde. As a historic environmental leader, he has witnessed the birth, rise, fall, and survival attempts of the party. Now, Uralde returns to the frontlines as a Podemos candidate in the Basque Country, specifically for the province of Álava. This movement signifies a strong commitment to the territory, emphasizing the party’s original essence and garnering support.

Uralde chose the working-class neighborhood of Zaramaga, a symbolic place marked by events in Vitoria in 1976, as the starting point for his campaign. In the face of the largest massacre during the Transition, Uralde launched his campaign with a focus on demanding change and ensuring a left-wing government. Accompanied by Ione Belarra, they highlighted the need for representation and resisting the loss of their current seats.

In Álava, Podemos seems to have the most opportunities as surveys place them closer to 3% compared to other provinces. Belarra emphasized the need to “stop handing over the governability of this beautiful country to the PNV once again” and called for support for the purples.

Amid this struggle, the role of Uralde is crucial in retaining the maximum number of votes and preventing leakage to other options. With a background as a former leader of Greenpeace in Spain and a prominent figure in the Equo coalition, Uralde became an iconic Podemos leader. Winning the seat in Álava with the highest percentage of votes in the country, he has been a cornerstone in the party’s success.

After a period of little understanding between Uralde and Podemos, they are now relying on his electoral power. Despite his alignment with Yolanda Díaz and Sumar during the fracture within Podemos, Uralde remains committed to the purples and aims to obtain a seat in the Basque Parliament. This serves as a symbolic battle against Sumar in Euskadi.

Throughout the campaign, Uralde has showcased his belligerent profile, distancing himself from Sumar and appealing to leftist voters. Returning to his activist roots, Uralde seeks to rally support and make a lasting impact in the region.