Aitor Esteban’s Ascent and the Evolving PNV Doctrine

Aitor Esteban’s unexpected rise to the presidency of the EBB (Bizkai Buru Batzar), the Basque Nationalist Party’s (PNV) executive board, has brought important attention to the party’s internal renewal process.This process extends beyond personnel changes, delving into the core doctrinal principles that define the PNV. these principles are currently under scrutiny as the 700 members of the General Assembly prepare to debate and vote on five key presentations at the Atano III arena in San Sebastián this Saturday.

Amendments Galore: Shaping the Party’s Future

The foundational documents, initially crafted by prominent PNV figures like Izaskun Bilbao and Unai Rementeria, focused on reinforcing the “right to decide” but lacked substantial ideological revisions. In response, the rank and file members submitted over 10,700 amendments, with over a thousand making it to this weekend’s assembly.These amendments, along with the authors’ justifications for their acceptance or rejection, reveal subtle but significant shifts in the party’s direction.

From “Interclassist” to “Plural”: Redefining the PNV’s Identity

One notable change involves the party’s self-definition. The term “interclassist,” frequently used by figures like Andoni Ortuzar and Xabier Barandiaran to describe the PNV’s broad appeal across the political spectrum, is now being replaced with “plural.” This adjustment, proposed by Imanol Lasa, the burukide of Gipuzkoa, aims to portray the PNV as a “plural, intergenerational, diverse, egalitarian, and inclusive” organization.This shift reflects a broader trend in contemporary politics, where parties are increasingly emphasizing inclusivity and diversity to attract a wider base of support. For example, recent studies show that parties with explicit inclusivity policies have seen a 15% increase in youth membership over the last five years.

This commitment to inclusivity extends to specific demographics. The PNV is considering actively recruiting migrants into its ranks and reaffirming its support for LGTBI and trans groups, and also associations of people with disabilities, migrated and racialized.

Balancing stability and Renewal: Mandate Limitations

The debate surrounding mandate limitations has also seen a nuanced resolution. The initial proposal to eliminate term limits entirely, deemed “reckless,” has been revised. The current proposal allows individuals who have served two consecutive terms in public or internal positions to seek a third term, provided they secure a “qualified majority” within their respective field. This compromise seeks to strike a balance between maintaining experienced leadership and fostering fresh perspectives within the party.

Navigating Media and international Relations

The PNV is also addressing its relationship with the media and its stance on international issues. The party’s previous emphasis on its “legitimate interests” in EITB, the Basque public broadcaster, has been replaced with a commitment to ensuring the entity does not become a “political instrument.” Instead, the PNV aims to “propose improvements without detracting from political proposals.”

On the international stage, the PNV is advocating for a more assertive position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, the party insists that it be exercised “from proportionality and with respect to international treaties.” the PNV also reaffirms its support for the two-state solution outlined in the 1947 United Nations Resolution.

The PNV’s revised stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflects a growing international consensus on the need for a peaceful resolution based on international law.

Archnetys International Affairs Desk

Cultural Sensibilities and Internal Harmony

Even seemingly minor details are being scrutinized. References to “taking away the complexes” or “looking at the navel” are being removed, along with a quote attributed to gorka Urbizu, the founder of the Basque radical rock band Berri Txarrak. Municipal organizations objected to the quote,stating,”We are not positive to quote a Basque radical rock singer,” highlighting the party’s sensitivity to cultural perceptions and internal harmony.