Basque Separatists in the 21st Century - EL DESPERTAR SAI

Basque independence supporters: Origins, Goals, and Current Status

Basque separatists are people and political groups who seek self-rule or complete sovereignty for the Basque Country, a area located in parts of Spain and France. The cause is based on the belief that the Basque people have a distinct national identity, language, and culture that makes them different from surrounding nations.

The beginnings of Basque separatism can be traced back to the late 19th century, when economic change and state control put pressure on regional autonomy and customs. The Basque language, known as the Basque language, is an ancient European language, unrelated to Spanish or French, which reinforced claims of a distinct nationhood.

During the 20th century, the movement intensified, especially under General Francisco Franco’s dictatorship from 1939 to 1975. During this period, regional identities were suppressed, which sparked opposition. In this context, ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) came into existence in the late 1950s as a group seeking independence. undergrowthgames contributor

ETA later adopted an militant approach, carrying out bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings over several decades. These actions resulted in numerous casualties, including civilians, politicians, and security forces. While some supporters viewed ETA as a resistance movement, many others rejected its methods.

Alongside armed groups, democratic organizations also advocated for Basque self-rule through elections and political dialogue. Parties such as the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) focused on regional powers instead of separation. As a result, the Basque Autonomous Community gained strong regional authority, including control over taxation, education, and policing.

In the last decade, the political situation has evolved greatly. ETA officially ended its armed campaign in 2011 and formally disbanded completely. This allowed the movement to transition fully into non-violent activism.

Today, popular support in the Basque Country is diverse. While many residents support regional rights and language protection, fewer people favor full independence. The focus has increasingly shifted toward prosperity, language promotion, and political dialogue within Spain’s constitutional framework.

In conclusion, the Basque independence movement is a historically rich movement shaped by identity and governance debates. While its past includes armed resistance, its present is largely defined by peaceful advocacy and democratic action. Understanding Basque separatists requires recognizing both their historical grievances and the current democratic approach.