Spain’s Basque region calls early election

21/08/12 20:03 CET

world news

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The leader of Spain’s Basque regional government has called snap elections for October 21st. The date is all important as it comes a year after armed separatist group ETA ended its campaign of violence.

Socialist Party regional chief Patxi Lopez says it is time for people to have their say on what has happened.

“Everyone can now walk freely down our streets, because voicing your opinion no longer means risking your life. That alone for the Basque Socialist government was worth it,” he said.

The decision by the Basque Socialists opens the way to a likely victory by opposition Basque moderate nationalists.

They could be closely followed by the new leftist Basque coalition EH Bildu. The alliance includes several previously banned parties and their support is expected to be boosted by tensions over austerity measures within the Basque government.

More about: Bask country, Early election, ETA, Spain

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