The Board of Spokespersons of the Bilbao City Council has condemned the "serious disturbances" recorded this Monday, which "sowed the streets of Bilbao with violence," as well as the shouts of "'Gora ETA militarra'" (Long live ETA militar) chanted during the protests and which, according to the text, "take us back to the times of terror." The initiative did not have the support of EH Bildu.
The mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto, called for an extraordinary meeting of the Board of Spokespersons at nine in the morning with the aim of establishing an institutional position regarding the incidents caused by groups protesting against the expected presence of the agitator Vito Quiles, who ultimately did not attend the Biscayan capital.
During the altercations, significant damage was recorded to urban furniture, vehicles were set on fire, and damage was caused to various businesses. The police action resulted in 19 people being detained, including seven minors, and an investigation was opened into three other individuals allegedly involved in the events.
At the meeting of the Board of Spokespersons, an institutional declaration was approved, supported by PNV, PSE-EE, PP, and Elkarrekin Bilbao, while EH Bildu decided not to subscribe to the document agreed upon by the other parties.
The agreed text expresses condemnation of the "serious disturbances" that occurred in Bilbao, "where violent groups sowed the streets of Bilbao with violence," and emphasizes the need to preserve coexistence against any violent expression.
The declaration also advocates for the "defense of democracy from the recognition of the different using the force of dialogue and words to resolve any issues that arise in our society," stressing peaceful ways to channel conflicts.
The signing parties also expressly reject the shouts of "¡Gora ETA militarra!" launched by some of these groups, considering that it "takes us back to the times of terror in the country" and constitutes an offense to the victims and the memory of what happened.
Finally, the agreement shows its support and closeness to those affected by the material damages, especially to merchants and vehicle owners, as well as to the entire Bilbao citizenry who "had to endure the irrationality of violence" in the streets of the city.