Joseba Egibar (Andoain, 1959) will promote the most symbolic territorial replacement of the PNV within the framework of the internal process started these days. The veteran nationalist resigns from the leadership of the Gipuzkoa organization. This is a position he accepted after EA split in 1987, and left for only a brief period, from 2000 to 2004, while continuing to hold other positions of responsibility. Egibar was already relieved in recent regional elections of his seat in Parliament, which he had gained in 1990. He had been speaker of the House for the past decades. Of course, before leaving, he appointed his right-hand woman, María Eugenia Arrizabalaga, as the next president of Gipuzko Buru Batzar, the first woman in history to hold this responsibility.
Along with Egibar also walk Itxaso Atutxa in Biscay, José Antonio Suso in Alava and Peio Etxeleku in Iparralde. Yes, will continue Unai Hualde, who is also president of the regional Parliament. This territorial process is prior to what will come later, from November, to renew Euzkadi Buru Batzar. The continuity of Andoni Ortuzar, who led the party for three terms and who said he made the decision, even if he did not transfer it, is up in the air.
Egibar was the most orthodox representative of the sovereignist sector of the PNV. He came to fight for control of the party with Josu Jon Imaz and from this battle was born a tacit internal pact of power sharing and non-aggression that has been maintained until now. For years, the leader of Gipuzkoa has been able to place people of his greatest trust in institutional positions. The best example of this is the President of the Basque Parliament, Bakartxo Tejeria. A few days ago, María Eugenia Arrizabalaga, one of his closest collaborators and who is in all the groups to replace him, resigned from the House. In fact, Egibar himself dedicated it by stating that he was clearly betting on it.”
Egibar will also be immortalized as the one who defended those involved in corruption in the “De Miguel Affair,” the largest conspiracy involving party officials. Those convicted were related leaders who then controlled the Álava apparatus. Alfredo de Miguel, the main person responsible for the events investigated, received a warm hug from Egibar when he went to the commission of inquiry opened in Parliament. Arrizabalaga was also there.
In statements to EiTB, Egibar indicated that he would “retire” at the age of 65, but would not “retire” from politics. “For me, politics is like life itself. I may have different passions, but of course politics is one of them. As a grassroots activist and as far as my work extends. Go to a conference here, rearrange it there. I have ordered a lot and may also be asked to do a series of jobs. That’s the work of the activist,” he said. Asked about Arrizabalaga, he was clear: “This is the team we have configured for so many years […]. I have a town meeting in El Antiguo and if they present María Eugenia Arrizabalaga, which I think, as the GBB presidential candidate, I will vote for that option.
