Iraola addressed the media following an extraordinary plenary session at the City Council on Thursday, which was largely focused on the debate surrounding the inclusion of the sokamuturra in this year's festival program. The socialist mayor defended the decision made by the Festejos (Festivals) department, asserting it aligns with citizen demands conveyed through various participation channels.
He explained that both the Mayor's office and the Festejos department engage in «active listening» throughout the year to incorporate proposals from residents, associations, and local groups. Iraola recalled that many festival activities originate from citizen requests, such as specific concerts, sporting events, or initiatives organized by local cuadrillas.
It is within this context that he placed the revival of the sokamuturra. «We try to respond to many of the requests we receive, and one of them was to hold bull-running events, which we have translated into the celebration of the sokamuturra», the mayor explained.
The mayor's primary criticism was directed at PNV and EH Bildu, accusing them of adopting different positions depending on whether they are in government or opposition. Iraola pointed out that both parties previously supported the Basque Law for Animal Protection, approved in 2022, which explicitly excludes certain traditional bullfighting events, including the sokamuturra, from its scope. «If they were truly against these types of festivities, they should have voted against that exception or promoted its elimination», he stated. He finds it contradictory to reject the sokamuturra in Eibar while similar events continue in municipalities governed by those same political parties without generating the same intensity of debate.
The mayor went further, suggesting that some of those municipalities even host bullfighting events that involve the animal's death without significant political controversy. «What is happening here in Eibar? Why is this argument being generated here?» he questioned during his appearance. For Iraola, the difference lies in the decision being made by a Festejos department managed by the Socialist Party.
During the press conference, he also addressed a motion to initiate a reflection process on the continuity of the sokamuturra. The mayor deemed the initiative difficult to implement, given it was proposed just days before the festivities. «To try to open a serious participatory process on June 18 when the activity is scheduled for the 21st is impossible to fulfill», he stated. Nevertheless, Iraola assured that the City Council will continue to listen to citizen opinions and is not closing the door to future discussions on the matter.
