elpais.com
Political Divisions Hamper Unified Remembrance of Terrorism Victims in Basque Country
Political divisions in the Basque Country prevent a unified commemoration of victims of terrorism and political violence, with PP and Vox rejecting recognition of victims of far-right terrorism and police abuse, while EH-Bildu supports tributes to ETA prisoners, despite the Basque government's efforts to treat all victims equally.
- What are the immediate consequences of the continued political division surrounding the commemoration of victims of terrorism and political violence in the Basque Country?
- Since 2010, attempts to jointly commemorate the November 10th Remembrance Day in Basque Country for victims of terrorism and political violence have failed due to political divisions. EH-Bildu supports Etxerat's tribute to ETA prisoners, while PP and Vox reject recognition of victims of far-right terrorism and police abuse. This division is exemplified by PP's spokesperson Laura Garrido's recent parliamentary statement acknowledging only ETA victims.
- How have the actions of the PP, particularly Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Isabel Díaz Ayuso, contributed to the ongoing division regarding the recognition of victims in the Basque Country?
- The PP's divisive approach, exacerbated by Alberto Núñez Feijóo's attempt to contrast ETA victims with Franco's victims in 2022, has significantly impacted Basque Country. Key victim associations like Covite and the Fernando Buesa Foundation rejected Feijóo's actions, highlighting the complexities of remembering diverse forms of violence. Similarly, Isabel Díaz Ayuso's recent announcement of a Madrid memorial against ETA contradicts the 2011 consensus on the Terrorism Victims' Law, further illustrating the political polarization.
- What are the long-term implications of the failure to achieve a unified commemoration for all victims of violence in the Basque Country, and what role can initiatives like Gogora play in bridging this divide?
- The Basque government's commitment to treating all victims equally, despite political divisions, offers a unique approach to memory. The ongoing work of Gogora, the Basque Institute of Memory, Coexistence and Human Rights, reflects this by researching victims of far-right terrorism and police abuse, aiming for a more inclusive and comprehensive historical narrative that goes beyond ETA. The future will show if a unified approach is possible or if the current polarization will prevail.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing of the article centers on the political divisions surrounding the commemoration of victims in the Basque Country. The headline and opening paragraphs highlight the inability of different political groups to reach consensus, immediately setting a tone of conflict and division. This framing, while accurate in reflecting the current situation, could be improved by presenting a broader context that acknowledges the efforts towards reconciliation and the progress made in acknowledging diverse victims, especially in the work of institutions like Gogora. The sequencing of information could be changed to emphasize these positive elements first. The use of the term "impossible" in the opening sentence, while factually accurate in the context of complete joint commemorations, creates a perception of absolute failure rather than a work in progress.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral but occasionally leans towards critical language when referring to specific political parties (e.g., describing the PP's actions as "divisive"). The article uses strong terms like "divisive," "intransigent," and "estremecedor" (chilling). While these terms reflect the gravity of the situation, suggesting more neutral alternatives (e.g., "polarizing," "uncompromising," "grave") could enhance objectivity. In the concluding paragraphs the use of 'insists' when describing what Alonso is doing to emphasize the equal status of victims could be viewed as slightly loaded. However, overall, the language is largely descriptive and avoids overly subjective terms.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on ETA terrorism and its victims, while mentioning other forms of violence and their victims with less detail and analysis. The omission of in-depth investigation into specific cases of police brutality and right-wing terrorism beyond general statistics could mislead readers into underestimating the scope and impact of these forms of violence. While acknowledging space constraints, a more balanced treatment would strengthen the article's analysis. The article also omits a discussion of potential motivations beyond the stated political aims, and the impact on victims' families is not explored in depth for victims outside of the ETA conflict.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by contrasting the approach of the PP and Vox parties with that of EH-Bildu, creating a simplified image of the political landscape. The article does not adequately explore nuances or more moderate positions within the political spectrum. The presentation of the issue as solely a division between left and right simplifies a more complex situation involving various actors and motivations. The author also presents a false dichotomy in terms of victimhood - contrasting victims of ETA terrorism with victims of other forms of violence. This does not adequately address the fact that various individuals and groups have experienced violence and oppression throughout this period.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses efforts in the Basque Country to achieve a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to remembering victims of all forms of political violence, including those from ETA, far-right groups, and police abuses. This contributes to building stronger institutions and fostering reconciliation, which are central to SDG 16. The creation and work of Gogora, the Institute of Memory, Coexistence, and Human Rights, is a key example of such efforts. The article highlights the challenges in achieving this goal due to political polarization, but also underscores the ongoing commitment to a more just and inclusive remembrance.