It is common for the Gipuzkoa PP to hold a different discourse from that of the party in the rest of the Basque Country and, of course, from that of the national PP. Borja Sémper did it during his 11 years presiding over the party in this territory, especially when he was a candidate for mayor of San Sebastián. And Mikel Lezama is doing it now, the popular candidate for deputy general of Gipuzkoa who has shown himself open to supporting measures promoted by EH Bildu, yes, "if they are positive for Gipuzkoa".
Lezama has expressed this point of view in an interview with El Diario Vasco, asked if he would be willing to reach agreements with EH Bildu.
His answer is, verbatim, the following: “Perhaps talking about pacts is too strong. It would not be so much to agree as to support everything that is positive. And if EH Bildu presents positive measures for Gipuzkoa, why aren't we going to support them? If they propose to improve social services, why would I vote against it? I am delighted that EH Bildu participates and submits to the democratic game, which is what we have always wanted. Why weren't we going to vote in favor of a good proposal for Gipuzkoa that stems from a party that is within the democratic rules?”, indicates Lezama.
Mikel Lezama has also been in favor of providing "fresh air" and working to change the dynamics of "hooliganism" that he appreciates in current politics. "We already know what sets us apart, that's why we have to make an effort to reach consensus," he says.
His speech is largely reminiscent of that of Sémper himself, of whom he is a disciple, although it clashes with that of the party in Madrid, which has been using EH Bildu's support for the Government of Pedro Sánchez to attack the Socialists and the Government.
“We must not forget that we come from very difficult times. Gipuzkoa has been badly hit by terrorism. Until ten years ago we have not been able to speak openly with society, there were always risks. This feeling does not disappear from one day to the next, but it is also true that we already live in a different reality, after many years in which my fellow party members were brave and risked their lives”, added Lezama in the same interview.
With family ties to the town of Azpeitia, Basque-speaking and professionally related to sports, Mikel Lezama is cultivating a personal brand image that aims to distance himself from the clichés surrounding the party in the Basque Country, in terms similar to his teammate Borja Sémper during the municipal elections of 2019.
