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Carlos Garaikoetxea dies, the first president after Francoism

The Navarro politician, founder of Eusko Alkartasuna, died at the age of 87 from a heart attack.
Carlos Garaikoetxea in June last year, during his tribute in Ajuria Enea. Image taken from an EITB video.

Carlos Garaikoetxea, the first post-Franco lehendakari and a key leader in the recovery of Basque self-government, died at the age of 87 as a result of a heart attack. The Navarro politician was one of the main drivers of the launch of the Basque institutions after the dictatorship, leading a decisive period in the contemporary history of Euskal Herria.

He was also the founder of Eusko Alkartasuna and became one of the main references of Basque nationalism in the 1980s and 1990s.

Garaikoetxea was decisive in the development of the Basque Government and in the strengthening of its powers during the decisive years of its presidency (1980-1985).

Its political heritage will be linked to the recovery of institutions and the strengthening of self-government during the fundamental years of the democratic transition. It was also an influential politician in the promotion and modernization of Basque nationalism in Navarre, first within the PNV and then from Eusko Alkartasuna.

In June last year, the current Basque Government, chaired by Imanol Pradales, paid tribute to Garaikoetxea and his team.

The current lehendakari praised the model of the first Basque Government of democracy for the implementation of the instruments that have enabled the Basque Country to "grow in prosperity and well-being", and particularly appreciated the legacy of Garaikoetxea.

Carlos Garaikoetxea himself took the floor in that tribute: "The challenges of the future are great, but we are more capable of overcoming them. We are a brave and hardworking nation. From loyal cooperation and respect for pluralism, we will build a better, more prosperous and more lasting Euskadi together," he said.

The Pamplonese politician was due to turn 88 on June 2.

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