Pro-Basque coalition seeks wide left-wing deal to form new government in Navarre
Uxue Barkos set to become new Navarrese president if agreement is reached by Geroa Bai, EH Bildu, Podemos and Izquierda-Ezkerra. All four parties demand increased self-government for Navarre, further protection for the Basque language. Pro-Spanish UPN party could lose government after 16 years.
After polling second in Sunday's election to the autonomous Parliament of Navarre, Geroa Bai leader Uxue Barkos is set to meet other parties' leaders with the aim of forming a new government. Barkos needs the support from her party and at least three more forces in order to oust the Union of the Navarrese People (UPN) from government.
Geroa Bai is a pro-Basque coalition whose two main members are Basque nationalist association Zabaltzen (centre-left) and the Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ-PNV, centre-right). UPN is a pro-Spanish, Navarrese regionalist centre-right party.
In order to become the new Navarrese president, Barkos need the support from 26 MPs out of a total 50 in Parliament. The clearest option for her is to reach a deal that includes her own Geroa Bai (9 seats), Basque leftist pro-independence coalition Bildu (8), Spanish leftist Podemos (7) and leftist federalist Izquierda-Ezkerra (I-E, 2).
Some media have been hinting that Podemos leaders at the state level will not endorse a deal that includes Bildu. But Podemos leader in Navarre Laura Perez yesterday said her party "will not frustrate" political change in Navarre. Decisions on any agreement, she said, "will not be taken in Madrid, as it is being said," but in the "Citizens' Assembly of Navarre," Podemos's highest decision-making body in that territory.
Barkos has also left open the possibility that the Socialist Party of Navarre (PSN, 7 seats) could also join the four-party deal. But Bildu and Podemos are reluctant to negotiate with the socialists, as the party supported UPN during the last parliamentary term.
Common ground in party manifestos
The Geroa Bai, Bildu, Podemos and I-E manifestos coincide in several points as regards the protection of the Basque language and Navarrese autonomy. All of them vow to make the so-called D model in education -which has Basque as the vehicular language- available throughout Navarre where a demand for it exists. Moreover, Bildu is also calling to "ensure that the entire student population" of Navarre has basic knowledge of Basque. Besides, all four parties say they are committed to the process of normalization of Basque.
The parties also believe the official division of Navarre into three different linguistic zones -Basque-speaking, mixed and non-Basque-speaking- should be overcome. Bildu and I-E are even more specific in saying that full official status for Basque throughout Navarre must be ensured. The four parties also say they want to increase the use of Basque by the public administration.
As regards self-government, the four parties advocate increased autonomy for Navarre. However, differences arise when concrete ideas are put forward by them. Bildu wants a "change of political status" during the 2015-2019 term, while Geroa Bai says that change should come "at the time when the political situation allows it." Podemos is not very specific on the issue, but nevertheless the party says that Navarre should be devolved "as many powers as the Navarrese population decides." I-E says Navarre should take on more powers as Spain progresses towards a "federal and plurinational republic" that recognizes the right to self-determination.
Note: Original article at Nationalia.
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