Beyond all forecasts, the demonstration of EH Bildu held on Saturday in Bilbao has been the most massive of all recorded events. According to the organizers, about 70 buses have moved from all over Euskal Herria to the Biscayan capital, and thousands of people have joined the demands. Under the slogan “Until a free and egalitarian Basque Country”, the coalition calls for the construction of a “Basque nation”, “feminist, socialist, sovereign, environmentalist and paritarian.” In this regard, they have pointed out that steps must be taken to move from "resistance to freedom".

At the end of the demonstration, a political act was held in front of the City Hall, which has been transmitted live by social networks. EH militant Bildu Garazi Perea and general coordinator Arnaldo Otegi have taken the floor. Perea stressed that, in reference to the population gathered there, "they have made it clear" that they are "wrong" to those who say that independence is weak: “Today, this people has demonstrated their readiness to move forward.” In this sense, he stressed that the citizens "are on the street fighting" against "fascists, clausts, authoritarians and machists" and that they have room in the institutions, which "intimidates" some: “They know we are the only alternative.”

Then Otegi addressed Euskal Herria: “It is a miracle that this people is alive, because for centuries there has been a strategy of eradication.” However, he explained that the “natural situation” of peoples is not “resistance” and has therefore advocated a step forward: “From resistance to freedom.” To this end, it has called for the establishment of a “national historical bloc” in which all the “forces” converge: popular movements, trade unions, political parties and individual persons, among others. He points out that it is time to build "a new status": “The Basque nation must attain the political, economic, cultural and institutional status it deserves.”

20 November, in memory of Brouard and Muguruza

Arnaldo Otegi recalled, among others, the members of HB Santi Brouard and Josu Muguruza, and the victims of the “dirty war”, on the occasion of the anniversary of their murders. They were shot dead on 20 November 1984 and 1987, respectively. In the morning, they were paid a tribute together with the Egiari zor association.

? On the anniversary of his assassinations, Santi Brouard and Josu Muguruza have reminded us of the events organized in Bilbao by the Zor Foundation, @Educativa.

Until victory! Recognition, repair and guarantees of non-repetition. pic.twitter.com/cIz58uMRw8

— EH Bildu (@ehbildu) November 20, 2021

EH Bildu has reported that he "has not randomly chosen" the date of the demonstration called for Saturday. In addition to the murders of Brouard and Muguruza, the dictator Franco died that day in 1975. Otegi also referred to this: “Leaving Franco The Valley of the Fallen is easy; what is difficult is to expel the fascists from the apparatus of the State.” In this sense, he has denounced that the Spanish State is "an heir to Franco".