The president of PNV, Aitor Esteban, believes that, if after the next general elections a coalition government between PP and Vox is formed, the first months will be characterized by an "all-out offensive" aimed mainly at his party, even above EH Bildu.
In an interview in "La Vanguardia" collected by Europa Press this Saturday, he reiterated that the PNV will not participate in or negotiate majorities in which Vox is present, understanding that this formation violates its political principles. At the same time, he acknowledged that he also does not want to repeat a legislature like the current one: "Raincoat, umbrella, and we’ll hold on".
Esteban stressed the importance of the upcoming elections, noting that these are legislative elections in which Euskadi faces a "very special agenda." In this sense, he warned that the absence of a Basque voice with its own proposals in Madrid would have negative consequences for self-government and for Basque citizens.
Rivalry with EH Bildu and model of the country
In relation to the struggle with EH Bildu, he insisted that, despite sharing territorial space, they maintain a "completely different" model of the country, with approaches far apart in the economic and social spheres.
He defended that the institutions must set the course in the medium and long term, but he emphasized that close cooperation is essential with a dynamic society, with the business fabric, and with social agents to ensure the proper functioning of the economic agreement.
Industry, innovation and high-speed rail
On the economic front, he described as unmanageable a process of deindustrialization in the Basque Country and pointed to innovation, along with a swift reaction from the European Union to China and the tariff policy of the United States, as the main challenges in the short and medium term.
With regard to rail infrastructure and the Basque high-speed network still pending to enter service, he said that "it would be a laugh" if a practically completed project were not brought to completion. In addition, he criticized what he considers a fixation of the Socialist Government on generally extending subsidies for public transport, prioritizing them over the items intended for maintaining the rail network.
Immigration and pressure on public services
In immigration matters, Esteban has demanded from the Spanish State a "serious plan" after describing the current management as chaotic. He has stressed that public resources for housing, healthcare, and education are limited and has called for adequate planning to ensure integration and avoid tensions in these basic services.