Juan Mari Aburto, the Mayor of Bilbao, acknowledged everyone who has been part of his life as he bids farewell to his political career. He expressed gratitude to his partner and children, Arantza, Asier, and Jon, for their support and strength during his extensive tenure as mayor. "They have been the daily force to keep going, the daily support in my role as mayor," he emotionally stated.

Aburto recalled the moment when Itxaso Atutxa, then president of the Bizkaia Buru Batzar, proposed he lead the PNV's project for Bilbao. "I didn't ask why. I simply said thank you, and from that moment on, I committed to myself that when this moment arrived, I would also simply say thank you without asking why," he indicated.

He also highlighted his collaboration with Juan Mari Atutxa while working in the Basque Government's Department of Interior, learning the meaning of words like "dedication" and "commitment." Furthermore, he praised the figure and personality of Lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu, whose cabinet he joined as Minister of Employment and Social Policies between 2012 and 2015. With him, he learned that "leadership must be shared, based on solid and unwavering principles and values."

Finally, he remembered the work of José Luis Bilbao, under whose leadership of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia Aburto served as deputy for Social Action and later for Presidency. "With him, I learned that governing means facing problems and making decisions. And I hold onto his phrase: 'In Bizkaia, we think and we do.'" He added that his group of friends has also been a "constant support."