PNV is preparing to consolidate its leadership in the Basque Country with Aitor Esteban at the helm

The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) is currently immersed in a crucial process of internal renewal and strategic redefinition as it seeks to reaffirm its political dominance in the Basque Country. With Aitor Esteban now in the presidency, replacing Andoni Ortuzar, the party is facing the dual challenge of revitalizing its base and adapting to the changing socio-political landscape of Euskadi. Esteban's appointment occurs at a time when the PNV is acknowledging internal struggles and external pressures, particularly from the rise of EH Bildu. This new era, which is beginning after the general assembly held in San Sebastián, is marked by a clear commitment to unity and a renewed focus on the needs and concerns of Basque society.

Esteban impulsa la renovación del PNV: un partido en busca de revitalización
Tendencias Esteban impulsa la renovación del PNV: un partido en busca de revitalizaciónAitor Esteban asume el liderazgo del PNV buscando revitalizar el partido, impulsando la renovación interna y reafirmando su liderazgo en el País Vasco.

The legacy of Andoni Ortuzar and the rise of Aitor Esteban

Andoni Ortuzar's departure has left a significant mark on the PNV. During his 12 years in charge, Ortuzar managed to strengthen alliances with the socialists in key Basque institutions and played a crucial role in the motion of censure against Mariano Rajoy. However, his farewell was not without controversy, particularly regarding his handling of the departure of Lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu. According to Mikel Ormazabal (2025), writing for El País, the transition to Aitor Esteban's leadership is not expected to bring about drastic changes, since both leaders share similar political backgrounds and visions (Ormazabal, 2025).

Aitor Esteban is assuming the presidency of the PNV with a clear vision to evolve the party and maintain its leading role in Euskadi. Esteban himself has expressed his honour in following in the footsteps of historical figures such as Sabino Arana and Xabier Arzalluz. His leadership is starting at a crucial moment, marked by the need to address the challenges identified in the Entzunez eraiki process (El País, 2025), which revealed a perception of the PNV as a conservative party, with signs of immobility and a tendency towards complacency.

Aitor Esteban lidera el PNV en tiempos de polarización
Tendencias Aitor Esteban lidera el PNV en tiempos de polarizaciónAitor Esteban asume el PNV, buscando revitalizar el partido en un contexto político polarizado y con desafíos internos y externos.

Internal renewal and ethical commitment

The PNV is committed to a deep internal renewal. One of the key steps in this process is the adoption of a new ethical code, which will apply to all members and public officials appointed by the party. This code establishes a firm commitment to honesty, transparency, responsibility, efficiency and austerity, seeking to prevent any conduct that could damage the party’s reputation. According to Xabier Barandiaran, responsible for political innovation in Ortuzar’s team, this initiative seeks to reconnect with citizens and provide agile responses to social changes (El País, 2025).

Adapting to social and geopolitical changes

The PNV is recognising the need to adapt to profound and rapid geopolitical changes. The party is committed to understanding and responding to new socio-political issues, such as the rise of populism, climate change, demographic decline, increased immigration, aging and digitalisation. According to a member of Guipuzcoa, the party is required to recover its ideological identity, reaffirm its role as a classic political party, reconnect with its Christian democratic principles, be more open and participatory in decision-making and abandon inbreeding by promoting meritocracy (El País, 2025).

Challenges and perspectives for the future

Despite the enthusiasm for renewal, there are voices that express scepticism about the scope of the changes. David Salinas-Armendariz, who disagrees with the official line, suggests that Esteban's appointment may only be a cosmetic operation. Salinas-Armendariz stresses the need to democratize the party and implement a profound statutory reform (El País, 2025).

From outside the party, Eneko Andueza, secretary general of the Basque socialists, acknowledges the difficulties the PNV has faced in carrying out an orderly transition. Andueza hopes that the relationship between both parties, which currently guarantees stability in the Basque institutions, will not be damaged. He also hopes that Esteban will leave the “Madrid bubble” and focus on the day-to-day life of Basque politics (El País, 2025).

  • Reconnecting with the citizenry: Addressing the perception of disconnection from the real needs and concerns of Basque society.
  • Responding to social changes: Adapting to new challenges such as climate change, demographic shifts and the rise of populism.
  • Maintaining unity: Overcoming internal divisions and working together to achieve common goals.

The PNV is currently facing a crucial juncture in its history. With Aitor Esteban at the helm, the party is embarking on a process of internal renewal and strategic redefinition, with the aim of reaffirming its leadership in Euskadi. The challenges are significant, but the commitment to unity and adaptation suggests a determination to overcome them and continue to play a leading role in Basque politics.

Reference

Ormazabal, M. (2025, March 30). El PNV se conjura para revalidar unido su primacía en Euskadi. El País. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/espana/2025-03-30/el-pnv-se-conjura-para-revalidar-unido-su-primacia-en-euskadi.html