On Tuesday, Euskara Aurrera offered a press conference to assess the massive demonstration on Saturday and to set the challenges for the future. Malen Frantzenak of the Euskaltzaleak Youth Network and Alex Aginagalde of Euskaraz Apantallamiento have taken the word. They say that they are “very happy” with the demonstration on Saturday and that they have emerged “reinforced”. Beyond the figures, they underscore a great achievement: “the joy and illusion” that have aroused “Basque culture and society”.

Euskara Aurrera has pointed out that it is time to “make a strong leap” and for this they have highlighted two main objectives. On the one hand, they have called for a “new and renewed wave” in favor of the Basque country. They claim that the demonstration has been a “giant” step, but that it is at the same time a “starting point”. As so far, Aginagalde and Frances have pointed out that they will be based on “collaboration” and have called on the citizens to participate in the initiatives for the Basque Country that will be organised in the autumn.

Creating conditions from administrations

On the other hand, Euskara Aurrera has called the administrations of “the entire territory of the Basque Country” to “assume their responsibilities” and to develop new linguistic policies. The initiative considers that the “pure will” of the citizens is not enough to live in Basque: “The conditions must be created to be able to live and work in Basque.” They call on the administrations to take steps to make this a reality.