Pedro Sánchez Hosts EH Bildu Leader Mertxe Aizpurua at Moncloa Amid Controversy
The meeting serves as a noteworthy event in Spain's political landscape, sparking reactions from victims of terrorism and opposition parties.
On March 14, 2025, Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, welcomed Mertxe Aizpurua, the spokesperson for the political party EH Bildu, to the Palacio de la Moncloa.
This event marks a significant moment in Spanish politics, being the first occasion a Bildu representative has been invited to the seat of the government.
The meeting lasted approximately 30 minutes and was characterized by both parties as "constructive, cordial, and respectful," focusing on discussions related to military spending.
Mertxe Aizpurua, who was convicted of glorifying terrorism in 1984, has a controversial past that includes a role as an editor of publications associated with the Basque separatist group ETA.
Her history includes leading the newspaper 'Egin,' which published ETA's editorial content and threats against victims.
In June 2001, Aizpurua interviewed masked members of ETA, shortly before the assassination of José Javier Mugica, a local politician.
The Spanish public prosecutor previously presented charges against her for threats, justifying terrorism, and collaboration with an armed group, among other accusations.
The meeting has led to significant criticism from various sectors, including victims of ETA's violence.
Dan Portero, president of Dignidad y Justicia, expressed that the image of Sánchez shaking hands with Aizpurua would remain a lasting memory, characterizing it as an inequitable representation of victims and perpetrators.
Maite Araluce, president of the Asociación de Víctimas del Terrorismo, lamented that Sánchez appears unwilling to engage with the victims of terrorism while welcoming Aizpurua into the government.
The Fundación Miguel Ángel Blanco cited sentiments shared by victims, echoing concerns that political gestures could undermine the narrative surrounding ETA's violent legacy.
The opposition party, the Popular Party, has also condemned the meeting, labeling it as an act of normalizing relations with the heirs of ETA for political gain.
Miguel Tellado, the party's spokesperson in Congress, criticized Sánchez's approach and suggested that such actions would not be condoned in the future under his party's leadership.
The political implications of this meeting are considerable, as it symbolizes an ongoing shift in Spain's political dynamics, with questions arising about the relationships between historical terrorism and current governance strategies.
This event marks a significant moment in Spanish politics, being the first occasion a Bildu representative has been invited to the seat of the government.
The meeting lasted approximately 30 minutes and was characterized by both parties as "constructive, cordial, and respectful," focusing on discussions related to military spending.
Mertxe Aizpurua, who was convicted of glorifying terrorism in 1984, has a controversial past that includes a role as an editor of publications associated with the Basque separatist group ETA.
Her history includes leading the newspaper 'Egin,' which published ETA's editorial content and threats against victims.
In June 2001, Aizpurua interviewed masked members of ETA, shortly before the assassination of José Javier Mugica, a local politician.
The Spanish public prosecutor previously presented charges against her for threats, justifying terrorism, and collaboration with an armed group, among other accusations.
The meeting has led to significant criticism from various sectors, including victims of ETA's violence.
Dan Portero, president of Dignidad y Justicia, expressed that the image of Sánchez shaking hands with Aizpurua would remain a lasting memory, characterizing it as an inequitable representation of victims and perpetrators.
Maite Araluce, president of the Asociación de Víctimas del Terrorismo, lamented that Sánchez appears unwilling to engage with the victims of terrorism while welcoming Aizpurua into the government.
The Fundación Miguel Ángel Blanco cited sentiments shared by victims, echoing concerns that political gestures could undermine the narrative surrounding ETA's violent legacy.
The opposition party, the Popular Party, has also condemned the meeting, labeling it as an act of normalizing relations with the heirs of ETA for political gain.
Miguel Tellado, the party's spokesperson in Congress, criticized Sánchez's approach and suggested that such actions would not be condoned in the future under his party's leadership.
The political implications of this meeting are considerable, as it symbolizes an ongoing shift in Spain's political dynamics, with questions arising about the relationships between historical terrorism and current governance strategies.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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