The lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, has issued a direct warning to the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez: he will not participate in the next meeting of the Bilateral Commission scheduled for the end of this month if the agenda does not include "any significant political content." "If that is not the case, the Bilateral Commission will not be held," he reiterated.
In an interview with Berria, disseminated by Europa Press, the lehendakari reproached the central Executive, stating that "for a few weeks now" he has not perceived "a willingness to negotiate," which, in his opinion, blocks any progress in the bilateral relationship.
"I would like the Government to return to the negotiating table. If that happens, I am sure we will find ways. If not, the Bilateral Commission will not be held," stated Pradales, who emphasized that he is "very clear that, as lehendakari, we will not go to Madrid if there is no political content."
In this regard, he remarked that the topics to be discussed in a new meeting "must be clear, respond positively to Basque interests, and give us opportunities to deepen our self-government."
Demands Meaning for Sánchez's Legislature
Regarding Pedro Sánchez's current term, the lehendakari stressed that it is the president's exclusive prerogative to decide when to call elections, but he pointed out that he must "give meaning" to the remaining time in his mandate. Otherwise, he warns that it could lead "to a process of decomposition."
Controversy over Basque Language Exams in PAU
Following the controversy generated by the Basque language exams in the PAU, after the 'zeros' in the test for this subject, Pradales warned of the danger of questioning "both the system and its guarantees."
"The Basque Government has tried to maintain the principle of equality on this issue. The dialogue between the UPV and the Basque Government has been very important. The university will create new positions, and the government will authorize it to do so," he indicated.
The lehendakari also expressed his concern that the Basque language has been associated with "conflict," a link that, in his opinion, "is not good for the Basque language or for our people." He believes it is essential to avoid associating the Basque language with the idea of "imposition" and, to achieve this, he called for building "positive emotional bonds with the Basque language."