PNV internal turmoil erupts as Bizkaia leader replaces Elixabete Etxanobe with Ibone Bengoetxea

On the eve of the general election, the PNV faces a deepening internal rift after the Bizkaia leadership abruptly removed Elixabete Etxanobe from the candidacy for regional president, appointing vice-lehendakari Ibone Bengoetxea instead. Party president Aitor Esteban complained that he was informed of the proposal only moments before it became public, despite his repeated requests for a discussion, and reminded that he had called for unity, exemplarity and humility when assuming his role.

The decision, taken after an organic meeting of the Bizkaia branch, was not unanimous but received a strong majority among its fifteen members, including parliamentarians and the new Bilbao candidate Mikel Hidalgo. Bengoetxea, currently on an official visit to Argentina, has accepted the nomination, calling it an honor. The move threatens to create the first crisis in Imanol Pradales’s government, where Bengoetxea serves as number two, and may lead to internal voting battles that could see party bases challenge the ratification process.

Meanwhile, the PNV also grapples with indecision in Navarra, where its coalition Geroa Bai is negotiating collaboration formulas with the left, as urged by Uxue Barkos. The Euzkadi Buru Batzar has not responded to inquiries about these developments.