Sometimes things do not get worse, as we often believe, and it is worth stopping to reflect on our recent past and compare it with the current reality to realize that there are reasons for a certain optimism. One of the greatest victories of Spanish democracy has been to put an end to ETA terrorism. It now seems that no one remembers, except for some who tried to get a political share, of the hard years that were experienced especially in Euskadi because of the actions of ETA that had gripped Basque society.
I have remembered this these days when following the three stages that have been held in the Tour de France in Basque territory. It has been a public success and prestige for the entire community. Lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu led an investment of 12 million euros, among various Basque institutions, in terms of expenses for the organization of the different stages, and already now, according to a first estimate by the Government itself, the return could be about 120 million euros euro. In other words, the investment has multiplied by ten.
In the past, when ETA and its entourage exercised their iron control over everything that happened in Euskadi, on the few occasions that La Grande Boucle tried to make an incursion into Basque territory, it was subjected to threats and even the placement of explosive devices as it passed by. the cyclists. And we have gone from that dark and mafia climate to now listening to a leader of EH Bildu, like Oskar Matute, make a public harangue in favor of the Tour. “Enjoy the race, encourage our cyclists and those who have come from other places and take advantage of the Tour showcase to show the rest of the world what Euskal Herria is”, said the national leader. What a big difference between sending threatening letters to the then director of the Tour, Jean-Marie Leblanc, or peacefully claiming a certain political position.
That the Basque Country is today a normal community where its citizens can express themselves as they wish with total freedom is a success for all. The Basque Government no longer has to suffer from terrorist blackmail and can pedal towards the future without this serious scourge.
