The Basque Statute of Autonomy: A Historical Overview
Abolition of Basque Statutory Scheme (1876)
Following the Third Carlist War, Canovas del Castillo abolished the Basque provinces’ unique statutory scheme, replacing it with the Economic Agreement. This abolition coincided with industrialization and the rise of two socio-political movements in Bilbao: the “provincialists” and the “traditionalists.” These movements would eventually merge into the “Sabinian nationalism” led by Sabino Arana, who advocated for Basque independence.
Early Attempts at Autonomy (1917-1931)
The first attempts to achieve a Basque Statute of Autonomy occurred in 1917 but were interrupted by World War I. The proclamation of the Republic in 1931 reignited these efforts, with Catalonia quickly adopting its own Statute. However, the Basque Country faced difficulties due to the failed Pact of San Sebastián in 1930.
Draft Estella (1931)
The first draft of a Basque Statute, known as the “Draft Estella,” was promoted by the Basque Nationalist Party and the Carlists in 1931. It encompassed Álava, Vizcaya, Guipúzcoa, and Navarra and was approved by the Mayors meeting in Estella.
Second Project: “The Managers” (1932)
In 1932, following the Republican-Socialist coalition’s electoral victory, a second project emerged, replacing the Councils with “management boards” controlled by the left. These boards, with a stronger nationalist focus, aimed to promote the Statute, but its scope was reduced to Álava, Vizcaya, and Guipúzcoa due to Carlism’s secession. The 1933 general election victory of the center-right coalition further stalled progress on the Statute.
The Statute of Self-Euskadi (1936-1937)
The 1936 general election brought the Popular Front to power, followed shortly by a coup led by General Sanjurjo, Mola, and Franco, which triggered the Spanish Civil War. The Basque territories responded differently to the war, with Álava and Navarra joining the “uprising” due to Carlist influence, while Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya remained loyal to the Popular Front. During this period, the Statute of Self-Euskadi was promoted by the Left and Basque Nationalism. Drafted by Indalecio Prieto, it was approved with minimal application and lasted only nine months. José Antonio Aguirre was chosen as the first Lehendakari. Franco abolished the Statute in favor of the Alava Economic Agreement, a situation that persisted throughout his regime.
The Statute of Autonomy of 1979
With the adoption of the 1978 Constitution and the establishment of a regional territorial organization, a new Basque Statute was adopted in 1979. This Statute remains in force today, although steps have been taken towards its renewal, most notably the “Ibarretxe Plan,” which was approved by the Basque Parliament but rejected as unconstitutional by the Spanish Parliament.