Death of former President of the Basque Government José Antonio Ardanza: Statement from President of the Basque Government Iñigo Urkullu

Yesterday, José Antonio Ardanza Garro, the former President of the Basque Government, passed away at the age of 82. May he rest in peace. Goian bego (as we say in Basque).

On behalf of the Basque Government, all the institutions of the Basque Country, and Basque society, we offer our condolences, support, and endearments to the family. I extend this sentiment to all those who were close to him, including his friends and colleagues from his professional, institutional, and political life.

President Ardanza had a career of honest and dedicated public service working for Basque society’s common good, as well as for the present and future of the region and its government. This public commitment was evident in all his institutional duties.

He served as the Mayor of Arrasate from 1979 to 1983. Between 1983 and 1985, he served as the Deputy General of Gipuzkoa.

On 26 January 1985, he was sworn in as President of the Basque Country before the Tree of Gernika. He expressed his commitment using the exact words spoken by President Agirre:

“Jaungoikuaren aurrean apalik, Euzko-lur ganian zutunik, asabearen gomutaz, Gernika'ko zuaizpian nere aginduba ondo betetzia Zin dagit”. 

He served as President until 2 January 1999.

President Ardanza was born in Elorrio in 1941 during Franco's dictatorship. The town, like many others in Spain, bore the political, economic, and social consequences of the military coup and the physical remains of the war.

The context marked the youth of Ardanza and a whole generation in their aspiration for freedom and democracy for our people.

He was a member of the Basque National Party (EAJ-PNV) and Basque Youth Force (EGI) since the dictatorship. His commitment to politics and institutions was preceded by a dedication to social causes in both the cooperative and business spheres.

As President, he made significant contributions to the progress and consolidation of Basque self-governance, leaving a vast and extensive legacy. Three main ideas summarise his contributions.

Firstly, he worked tirelessly to promote the economic recovery of the Basque Country during a period of profound industrial crisis and restructuring. Their local governments implemented innovative social measures to promote the unity of Basque society. Today, they are a part of our daily lives.

Secondly, his unwavering commitment to peace and coexistence. His unwavering ethical stance and unequivocal condemnation of violence and terrorism during their most brutal and deadly years, coupled with his advocacy for human dignity and his openness to dialogue and agreement.

Thirdly, he had the ability to bridge differences. His patience and perseverance were instrumental in building the necessary social and political consensus. He always showed loyalty and maintained the highest level of institutional dignity.

A person with strong humanist and democratic values, he always defended his ideology based on respect for human rights, plurality, and democratic coexistence. President Ardanza has been a prominent political and institutional figure in the Basque Country.

His legacy is an example of dedication and commitment to Basque society. It serves as an inspiration for all of us who hold public responsibilities for our Country. The memory of President Ardanza elicits a common feeling: respect.

President Ardanza inspires deep respect and recognition for his words, actions, and contributions.

Ardanza lehendakaria, goian bego!