Pro-eta Members Establish Their Own Police in Town Halls Where They Govern

Several town councils in the Basque Country, governed by EH Bildu, have launched public job offers for hiring local police officers with a different approach than that established by regional regulations. The formation led by Arnaldo Otegi is committed to a "proximity police" model. With which they seek to select officers without them going through the Arkaute Police Academy, which is dependent on the Basque Government.

EH Bildu argues that their intention is to allow the councils to set specific criteria in the selection processes, oriented toward a "more community-oriented" security model. However, this stance deviates from the Basque Police Law. Which establishes that both the selection and training of officers must involve the direct intervention of the official academy.

The current legislation, reformed in 2019, grants town councils the ability to hire personnel for their security forces. This, either as career civil servants or as temporary staff. However, the regulations require that the police receive training in Arkaute, in addition to meeting requirements such as the absence of a criminal record.

EH Bildu, however, opposes the police model promoted by the regional government. Thus, rejecting Arkaute's participation in the management of temporary employment pools and in joint OPEs.

In their most recent electoral program, the formation advocated for a "demilitarization" of the Ertzaintza, the implementation of "unarmed patrols". And a security model in which local police have greater autonomy compared to the regional police.

Vox Denounces Leaks to Pro-Eta Groups About the Location of Information Tables

Vox has denounced that town councils in Gipuzkoa, managed by EH Bildu, leak the location of their information tables to pro-Eta groups. According to deputy Amaia Martínez, these leaks aim for these groups to prepare attacks against Vox supporters in the region.

Martínez has expressed her concern for the safety of Vox members and supporters in Gipuzkoa. She has pointed out that these coordinated actions between local authorities and radical groups aim to curtail her party's freedom of expression and right to political participation.

The deputy has highlighted that, despite threats and attacks, Vox will continue with their scheduled activities in the province. She has called on the security forces to ensure the integrity of the participants. Additionally, measures should be taken against those who attempt to sabotage their events.

It is not the first time that Vox faces hostilities in the Basque Country. On previous occasions, pro-Eta groups have harassed and insulted party members during public events. These incidents reflect a climate of political tension in the region, where certain factions seek to prevent the presence of formations like Vox. 

The formation led by Santiago Abascal has reiterated its commitment to defending its ideals and its right to express them throughout the national territory. They have urged other political parties and society in general to condemn these anti-democratic practices and to defend political plurality.

Vox has announced that they will take legal action against the town councils and groups involved in these leaks and attacks. They seek to hold those responsible accountable and ensure respect for their constitutional rights.