Spokesperson María Ubarretxena explained that “there is no point in trying to lay the foundations for the future with a party that does not respect the framework”. Vox has denounced that this “aims to exclude thousands of Basques from debate and public life.”
The lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, will not meet Vox in the round of contacts that will be held with the factions of the Basque Parliament, since the far-right party “does not share the ethical and democratic framework” and also does not recognize Basque self-government.
At the press conference after the Council of Government, spokesperson María Ubarretxena assured that the executive “respects the representation that Vox has obtained in Parliament”, but explained that the round of contacts announced by Pradales “is intended to seek a minimum foundation for the future of the government of the country”. “A foundation between those parties that, although we have different ideologies, share and respect that framework of the rules of the game in which we can include democratic values, human rights and, above all, the recognition of our self-government.” For this reason, he considered it “obvious that Vox does not share this ethical and democratic framework”, and therefore he believes that “there is no point in trying to lay the foundations for the future with a party that does not respect that main framework that is on the table.”
Formerly the first vice-lehendakari and advisor on culture and language policy, Ibone Bengoetxeahas suggested in an interview for the “Boulevard” program on Radio Euskadi that Lehendakari Imanol Pradales will not meet Vox in the round of meetings with political parties that he will hold from the week of July 8.
Bengoetxea has indicated that the Lehendakari will try to find “a shared space” to face the “great challenges of the country” with the political groups that a “minimum floor” of “respect for democratic values, human rights and diversity and self-governance.” In this sense, and after ensuring that Vox does not respect any of these three issues, the First Vice-President believes that it is “very difficult” to include this in these agreements.
In 2020, Vox participated in Iñigo Urkullu’s round of contacts. However, in the next round, Martínez decided not to participate in order to denounce the “cordon sanitaire” against his party.
Vox denounces the “exclusion of thousands of Basques”
Vox has denounced the decision, saying that the Lehendakari wants to “exclude thousands of Basques from debate and public life.” MP Amaia Martínez has deplored the fact that the Basque government and the PNV are turning their backs on the problems that more and more Basques are facing, and has assured that this party is a “consolidated force” in the Basque Country.
“The Basques have wanted Vox to have a seat in the Basque Parliament and the duty of the President of the Basque Government is to receive us and listen to a reality and problems that, as much as they try to deny, the people of Álava Biscay and Gipuzkoa are suffering more and more,” he stressed. The decision of Pradales, he added, shows that ‘separatism’ still considers that there are Basques who do not deserve it because they are ‘patriotic Spaniards’.
Source: EITB
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
