Pamplona, Spain – A recent statement by Pamplona’s mayor, Joseba Asiron of EH Bildu, has sparked widespread indignation after he appeared to equate supporting imprisoned members of the Basque separatist group ETA with supporting a football club. The comments, made during a discussion about displays of support for ETA prisoners at the Korrika race – a popular event promoting the Basque language – have drawn sharp criticism from victims’ associations and opposition parties.
Asiron, according to reports from El Espanol and Gaceta, stated he felt “the same” about individuals supporting ETA prisoners as he did about those supporting a sports team, characterizing both as “individual claims.” He specifically referenced the Alcoyano football club as an example, suggesting both forms of support were simply personal preferences.
The Korrika, a race held to raise funds and promote the Basque language (Euskera), saw participants displaying banners in support of ETA prisoners. This prompted the mayor’s controversial remarks. ETA, a now-disbanded Basque separatist organization, was responsible for over 800 deaths during its decades-long campaign of violence in Spain. The group officially announced a permanent ceasefire in 2011, and fully disarmed in 2017, but its legacy continues to be deeply divisive.
The comparison has been widely condemned as insensitive and disrespectful to the victims of ETA’s violence. Associations representing those affected by the group’s attacks have expressed outrage, arguing that equating support for terrorists with supporting a sports team is a profound insult. Opposition parties, including Vox and UPN, have also been vocal in their criticism.
Vox, as reported by El Espanol, has reiterated its call for the outlawing of EH Bildu, the political party to which Asiron belongs. The party warned it would not allow those who support violence to hold positions of power within democratic institutions.
EH Bildu, whose full name is Euskal Herria Bildu, is a left-wing, Basque nationalist and pro-independence federation of political parties active in the Basque Autonomous Community and Chartered Community of Navarre, according to Wikipedia. Founded in 2011, the party currently holds 6 seats in the Spanish Congress of Deputies, 5 in the Senate, and 27 in the Basque Parliament. Arnaldo Otegi is the current General Coordinator of the party.
Asiron defended his statement, asserting that the expressions of support during the Korrika were “individual” and that he did not hold individuals accountable for their choices. He stated, “The claims made by each person in the Korrika, in the bullring of Pamplona or in the El Sadar stadium belong to each one. I think you have understood me.” However, this explanation has failed to quell the controversy, with Alcoyano itself demanding a retraction from the mayor.
The incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the legacy of ETA in Spain. The debate centers on the balance between acknowledging the pain of victims and allowing for political expression, even when that expression is considered deeply offensive by many. The controversy also raises questions about the role of political parties with links to the Basque separatist movement in contemporary Spanish politics.
The Pamplona City Council, led by Mayor Asiron, is currently considering a referendum proposed by EH Bildu regarding the potential unification of the Basque Country and Navarre. This proposal, presented before seeking support for the regional budget, adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape.
The next scheduled event for the Pamplona City Council is a debate on the proposed budget on March 22nd. The outcome of this debate could significantly impact the future of the unification referendum proposal. Readers can follow updates on the City Council’s official website (currently unavailable) and through local news outlets like El Espanol for further developments.
