The Basque Government will develop the new Basque System for Guaranteeing Immediate Attention, BABES (Berehalako Arreta Bermatzeko Euskal Sistema), which will serve to coordinate emergency response more quickly and effectively from a single command center, involving all levels of action, from Civil Protection to volunteers.
Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, speaking at the Monographic Plenary Session on Security held in the Basque Parliament, has positioned the "comprehensive security" of Euskadi as an unrenounceable priority for his government. He called on all political parties "without exception" to establish a minimum common ground in Euskadi that delegitimizes and condemns terrorism and all forms of violence. "This is point zero. The foundation upon which to build our future," he stated.
Pradales explained that security for building the Basque House of the future must be based on coexistence, have a modern and prepared Euskal Polizia, ensure society is self-protected against new threats and emergencies, and focus on prevention for addictions, mental health, or new forms of vulnerability.
The BABES system will represent an unprecedented technological advancement, incorporating dynamic risk maps, predictive tools, sensorization, new audiovisual communication systems, and data analysis. "This drives public-private collaboration. It also seeks the direct involvement of Basque industry," he added.
The Lehendakari emphasized the importance of coexistence, recalling that vestiges of a culture of violence may still exist in Euskadi. Therefore, he insisted that all acts of violence must be rejected "without conditions and without excuses," and "let it be said loud and clear that violent individuals have no place in our People." He also expressed his support for the work of the Ertzaintza and local police forces, urging society "not to abandon its Police."
Furthermore, Pradales indicated that society and its political representatives must address "uncomfortable questions," such as why young people exhibit such violent behavior, the responsibility of families and schools in transmitting values, and that of certain media outlets or content creators when they justify or glorify vandalism.
He made a call to families, teachers, educators, political and social actors, the world of leisure, football, and the media in Euskadi to "look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we are doing everything we should."
Finally, the Lehendakari announced improvements to address the psychological well-being of ertzainas and to confront new forms of crime, as well as situations affecting violence against women, hate crimes, or minors. He also stated that work will continue on prevention with children and young people, enhancing early detection of risk situations, their protection, self-protection, and addressing addictions and mental health.
