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Asier Abaunza Open to Bilbao Mayoralty: "I Will Do What the Party Decides"

The Bilbao Urban Planning councilor avoids direct candidacy but offers his service to his political party.

Generic image: Microphone on a podium with the Bilbao City Hall facade blurred in the background, warm afternoon light.
IA

Generic image: Microphone on a podium with the Bilbao City Hall facade blurred in the background, warm afternoon light.

Following Juan Mari Aburto's decision not to seek re-election, Urban Planning councilor Asier Abaunza has spoken about his political future, deferring to his party's choices.

The decision by the current mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto, not to run for re-election in 2027 has sparked debate about his succession. In this context, Urban Planning councilor Asier Abaunza addressed his political future and potential candidacy on COPE EUSKADI today. When directly asked if he would like to take on the challenge of being the next mayor, Abaunza avoided a direct nomination and subordinated his future to his party's decision.
With a long career in the city council, where he began in 2007 under former mayor Iñaki Azkuna, Abaunza is a key figure in shaping the future of Bilbao. Regarding his aspirations, he stated: "In my party, we have the great advantage that we do not propose ourselves; it is the party that proposes, and therefore, I will do what the party decides in that regard, as I always have."
Abaunza also commented on the outgoing mayor's management, stating that he leaves "an important legacy." He highlighted major urban transformation projects promoted under his mandate, such as the progress in Zorrotzaurre, which "became an island," or the unblocking of the pedestrian promenade in Recalde, which has served to "stitch together this area of Recalde." He also mentioned the Intermodal station, the expansion of the Museum of Fine Arts, and the "great boost to accessibility" with the construction of numerous public elevators in the neighborhoods.
These statements were made during the presentation on COPE EUSKADI of what is considered the largest urban intervention in the Rekalde district. The project involves demolishing old industrial pavilions to build 400 new homes and create new green spaces. The operation will free up land to generate a central garden of over 2,900 square meters and open a new pedestrian corridor between the Larrasquitu road and Amezola park.
Of the total homes, 40% will be officially protected or appraised, and the City Council will allocate its 15% of the development to promote rental housing within the same operation. Although Abaunza admitted that "everything is always insufficient given the high demand," he described the project as beneficial for the neighborhood and the city as a whole.
One of the design's key aspects is the decision not to include public parking. The councilor explained that this measure is necessary to "allow the planting of mature trees" in the new garden area, a priority that would not be compatible with the construction of an underground parking lot.

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