Andoni Ortuzar, the current president of the Euzkadi Buru Batzar (EBB) of the PNV, announced that he will not seek re-election to lead the national Executive. With his decision, he clears the way for Aitor Esteban, the spokesperson in Congress, to be the new candidate for the presidency of the party.
In a letter addressed to the members, Ortuzar mentioned that during the internal electoral process he observed two currents within the party regarding how deep the internal renewal should be, with some advocating for a complete change and others preferring to maintain the current line to consolidate the progress made so far.
The key support for Aitor Esteban has been Itxao Atutxa, former president of the PNV of Biscay and Esteban's wife, who has played a fundamental role in this process. According to Ortuzar, the results of the voting in the municipal organizations clearly reflect this division of opinions in the party.
Ortuzar, who has held the presidency of the EBB since 2013, has led the changes in the party, succeeding former lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu. After twelve years at the helm of the national Executive, Ortuzar felt it was time to make way for a new generation and promote renewal in the party.
The downward trend of the PNV in the polls ahead of the regional elections has been a determining factor in this decision. The arrival of new leadership in the territorial executives is also part of this process of change within the party, aiming to face the new political challenges in the Basque Country.
Aitor Esteban, for his part, expressed gratitude for the support received and stated his commitment to work for unity in the PNV. His candidacy is now heading towards the second round of the internal electoral process, with the backing of important figures in the party seeking to lead a new stage in the nationalist formation.
