The Minister and spokesperson for the Basque Government, María Ubarretxena, has stated that conversations to finalize the Gernika Statute are proceeding in a "permanent and discreet" manner. She assured that the Executive will do "everything in its power" to ensure that agreements can be reached on outstanding matters, during an interview on Onda Vasca.
Addressing progress in self-government following recent transfers, the spokesperson emphasized that they are always agreeing "little by little what needs to be done." "Achieving agreements, which are not easy, by doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work," Ubarretxena noted, referring to the efforts of recent weeks. She also added that several unannounced agreements were reached on various matters during the last bilateral meeting.
“"That commitment is on the table and it was the one that was signed, and therefore, that is the mandate we have and what we do is continue working so that those agreements can be reached. That is our mandate, that is our task, and that is what we are focused on."
Regarding the shared management of airports, Ubarretxena asserted that an agreement that "cost a lot" should be celebrated. "It has always been impossible to talk about being part of the airport system; now we will be, and the important thing is that this body gets underway," she assured. This body is expected to be launched "imminently," as they have until May 31 to submit contributions to DORA 3 (Airport Regulation Document), which is already in progress and includes investments until 2031.
Concerning the declassification of the Port of Pasaia, the spokesperson indicated that the Basque Government continues to study "what the best solution might be" to improve its position. Ubarretxena recalled that the report sent to the Basque Parliament in 2017 explicitly mentioned declassification, but they are willing to "explore more possibilities" because they want "the best for the Port of Pasaia." She declined to engage in controversies with the PSE on this issue and stated they would await the proposal from the central government.
Regarding the request for the temporary transfer of Picasso's Guernica to Euskadi, Ubarretxena stated that they "absolutely" do not see it as impossible, despite the positions expressed by the Reina Sofía Museum and the Spanish Government, as they have not yet received an official response. The Basque Government is prepared to provide an expert committee and financial support to analyze the conditions for a transfer with all guarantees.
On the medical strike in Osakidetza, the spokesperson acknowledged the "great concern" of the Basque Government. In response to the request from the Basque Health Minister, Alberto Martínez, to the Spanish Health Minister, Mónica García, to transfer management capacity to Euskadi, Ubarretxena lamented that the minister has not accepted proposals or offered solutions, describing the situation as "very difficult" due to the minister's "incapacity" to address the problem.
Finally, concerning the Public Employment Offers (OPEs) in the Public Administration, Ubarretxena explained that examinations "based on competencies" will be conducted to select individuals with applicable knowledge. Regarding the protection of the Basque language, she urged waiting for the outcome of the legislative proposals presented by PNV and EH Bildu in the Basque Parliament. She regretted the breakdown of the "social consensus" around the Basque language, attributing it to judicial challenges initiated by PP and Vox.
