In Spain, the future of left-wing forces has become a hot topic again amid the growing influence of right-wing parties. Recent statements by EH Bildu representatives sparked intense reactions among both supporters and opponents of leftist unity. For many Spaniards, this is more than just a dispute between parties—it’s about the political balance the country will have in the coming years.
Last weekend, EH Bildu made it clear that it does not support the creation of a broad leftist coalition, as proposed by Gabriel Rufián of ERC. According to Oskar Matute, joint action does not have to mean joint electoral lists. In an interview with Radio Euskadi, he stressed that the party has always supported cooperation among leftist and pro-sovereignty forces, but sees no point in forming a single electoral bloc.
Different views on unity
Rufián’s initiative, presented last week, was to form a united leftist front to counter the growing popularity of PP and Vox. He stated that the workers from Cornellà and Vallecas are equally important to him, and that representing their interests is his duty. However, this idea did not find support among other parties. EH Bildu leader Arnaldo Otegi had already tempered enthusiasm for such an alliance, and Matute reminded on social media that EH Bildu’s project has always focused on the interests and needs of the people of Euskal Herria (the Basque Country).
On Matute radio, he once again emphasized that there is already a broad left-wing front in the Basque Country, and EH Bildu is not merely on the defensive but is actively growing. He expressed hope that the discussion started by Rufián will help the Spanish left develop its own political identity, similar to the one EH Bildu has created for Basque society.
Response amid right-wing successes
The debate over left-wing unity has flared up following the recent elections in Aragón, where Vox, although not taking first place, significantly strengthened its position. The party led in 39 municipalities and finished second in 152 out of 731. The decline of PSOE’s support in the region, as well as similar trends in Extremadura—where the far-right earned 90,000 votes and overtook the socialists in Badajoz—have heightened concerns among leftist forces.
Rufián does not hide his concerns: he describes himself as a Catalan independent, but admits he is worried about the country’s future as a democrat. His call for left-wing unity sounded especially urgent against this backdrop. EH Bildu, however, believes that the answer to these challenges must be local and built around national identity and the rights of the Basque people.
EH Bildu’s stance
Matute emphasizes that the party’s task is to resist authoritarian and centralist tendencies which, in his view, threaten the uniqueness of the Basque Country. He points out that this is not just about party interests, but about defending the rights and dignity of all residents of the region. At the same time, EH Bildu does not renounce solidarity with workers across Spain, yet insists on decision-making autonomy.
Internal disagreements among the left have become increasingly apparent. While Rufián continues to promote the idea of unity, his own party, ERC, is in no hurry to support this course. EH Bildu, meanwhile, believes their model has already proven effective and does not need to change for the sake of formal unity.
Context and consequences
Discussions about a possible left-wing alliance are taking place against the backdrop of significant changes in Spain’s political landscape. The growing popularity of right-wing forces, especially in regions with traditionally strong leftist positions, is raising concerns among many observers. A recent article on political shifts in Aragón took a detailed look at how Vox’s successes in local municipalities are changing the balance of power— more on the new developments in Aragón.
In recent years, Spain has already faced attempts to form broad left-wing coalitions, but such initiatives have rarely led to long-term success. Internal disagreements, regional interests, and differing strategies have often hindered the creation of a united front. With growing support for right-wing parties, especially in rural and industrial regions, the question of the left’s future remains open. These debates are becoming increasingly relevant on the eve of new election cycles, as each party seeks to strengthen its position and maintain influence.
