Podemos believes it has found a vein that can mobilize its electorate in the final stretch of the campaign. It has to do with the post-electoral pacts, their objective of capitalizing on the vote of rejection of the PNV and EH Bildu's proposal to seek a “form of cooperative governance” that does not exclude the jeltzales. The purple formation has made this issue the focus of its campaign, and this strategy has already received the support of Pablo Iglesias, who yesterday starred in a clash on social networks with Oskar Matute over this issue.
EH Bildu's strategy regarding the issue of pacts is at the origin of this new turn in the campaign. The nationalist coalition has had to reposition itself, aware that formulas that have been speculated about in the past are not realistic. EH Bildu avoids talking about a left-wing front with Podemos and Sumar, since an eventual union of these formations is far from the 38 seats that grant an absolute majority, and it no longer alludes to a hypothetical agreement with the PSE, since the socialists have ruled out this option and emphasize that they will not make Pello Otxandiano lehendakari.
The nationalist coalition now speaks of “cooperative” governments and looks to Pamplona, where EH Bildu governs with Geroa Bai (Basque coalition that integrates the PNV) and Contigo-Zurekin (coalition that includes Podemos or the Basque formation Batzarre), and has the external support of the PSOE in matters such as budgets.
Basically, the nationalist party suggests a scenario in which it would clearly surpass the PNV in seats and would be allowed to govern as a minority, although seeking that form of "cooperative governance" with PNV, PSE and, also, Podemos and Sumar, in case of that these two formations achieve representation.
The purple party, which is having a hard time finding focus, has made this issue one of the axes of its campaign, to the point that they have taken it to the envelopes that are sent to all homes with the ballots.
Podemos has also made a spot simplifying this issue, also alluding to the PSE's foreseeable willingness to agree with the PNV and trying to capitalize on the vote to reject the jeltzale formation.
Pablo Iglesias tried to contribute his grain of sand to the cause and stressed on the networks that Podemos is the only party that does not assume that the PNV will govern after the elections.
That's when he received Oskar Matute's question: “With all the love that you know: Everyone already assumes that the only left that can win the elections in the Basque Country and lead the political change is EH Bildu. The left that adds and does not subtract. What can make it easier for the PNV to govern is the division of the vote. Unit! "
Matute was referring in this way to the decision of Podemos and Sumar to run separately, an option that could leave both parties outside the Basque Parliament.
Pablo Iglesias also responded to Matute in the following terms: "Oskar, with love and respect, to think that the Basque national future can be built with the PNV is not to want to see its crucial role in the historical sustainability of the Spanish power bloc. Podemos put in check to that block and it continues to be an unavoidable and different piece to you.
Iglesias will participate this Friday in an event of the purple formation in Bilbao, in order to support his candidate, Miren Gorrotxategi, professor of Constitutional Law at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), who has always been close to his theses .
Podemos has a complicated ballot in these elections and, according to the polls, it has a good chance of being left out of the Basque Parliament. The purple formation, well represented by Gorrotxategi in Wednesday's debate on ETB-1, needs to monopolize the media spotlight and is confident that the vote to reject the PNV can open the doors of the Basque Chamber.
