In a landmark decision for Basque politics, Aitor Esteban Bravo has been unanimously elected as the new president of the Euzkadi Buru Batzar (EBB), the governing body of the Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ-PNV). The vote, cast by the one hundred members of the party’s National Assembly, took place at the Atano III Frontón in San Sebastián, just an hour before a major political gathering of 1,800 attendees at the historic venue. Esteban, who has served as the spokesperson for the Basque Group in the Spanish Congress since 2013, now steps into the leadership role, succeeding Andoni Ortuzar. His appointment marks a significant transition, as he will resign from his position in Congress to fully dedicate himself to the party’s leadership.
The election process saw Esteban emerge as the sole candidate in the final round after the withdrawal of both Andoni Ortuzar and Markel Olano, who announced their decisions to step aside on February 6. This paved the way for a smooth transition, reflecting a consensus within the party that Esteban is the right leader to guide the PNV through the next four years.
Ortuzar, who has led the party through a crucial period of political and social transformation, delivered an emotional farewell speech, reflecting on his tenure and the progress made under his leadership. “I have been happy. And together we have achieved great things. We have made this Party even greater and we have advanced as a People. We have come closer to the free and sovereign Euskadi we dream of. Thank you very much!” he said, visibly moved, as he bid farewell to his fellow party members.
Taking the stage as the newly elected president, Aitor Esteban reaffirmed the PNV’s unwavering commitment to its principles and to the advancement of Euskadi. He stressed that the party would not be swayed by external pressures or political manoeuvring from Madrid, making it clear that its agenda is dictated solely by what is best for the Basque Country. “The PNV responds to the agenda that it considers beneficial for our country, not to the media or electoral needs of third parties. No matter how much they shout, manipulate, pressure, obstruct, or try to distract us, the PNV will defend its own model for this Country: a democratic, proactive, inclusive, open, focused, and Europeanist,” he declared.
Beyond the immediate challenges facing the Basque Country, Esteban also spoke of the broader European context, highlighting the urgent need for Europe to assert itself on the global stage. In an impassioned address, he warned of the dangers of inaction, arguing that Europe’s political and economic future hangs in the balance. “For Europe, this means either becoming stronger or disappearing. If Europe does not react, it will become a pawn subordinated to the decisions of third parties, and this will not only lead to a rapid political decline but, in the medium term, to the absolute decline of the economy and of our welfare state, including, due to lack of resources, the social protection policies that are the hallmark of the European dream. Europe must be strengthened and become more than what it is now, not only in industrial and technological terms, but also in terms of political structures and representation. For a Party such as ours, of clear European inspiration, however hard and disconcerting the times ahead may be, this should be a spur and an opportunity.”
The strong European vision articulated by Esteban was further reinforced by the presence of the European Democratic Party (EDP) at the event. The EDP had a dedicated stand at the congress, symbolizing the PNV’s deep-rooted ties to the European political landscape and its commitment to a more integrated, resilient, and sovereign Europe.
With Esteban at the helm, the PNV enters a new chapter, one defined by continuity in its core values but also by a clear ambition to strengthen Euskadi’s position within Spain and Europe. As political challenges grow both domestically and internationally, the party’s leadership transition signals a renewed determination to defend Basque interests while contributing to the broader European project.
