The President urges the Ertzaintza to act with its own judgement, self-control and justice

Following the controversy over the incidents at the reception of members of the Global Sumud Flotilla at Bilbao Airport, President Imanol Pradaleshas called on the officers ofthe Ertzaintza to act with their own judgment, self-control and justice, and has rejected theinstrumentalization of the Basque Police  and its use as a political weapon.

Accompanied by the Security Adviser, Bingen Zupiria, the President has presided over the annual tribute to the Ertzaintza at the Arkaute Academy, where the Medals and Congratulations on Police Merit have been distributed, reminding the officers killed by ETA, as well as the five recently deceased Forts in Elgoibar.

In his speech, Pradales recalled the murders of Jesus Ortuzar and José Luis Ibáñez in Getxo in 1936. Half a century later, Pradales recalled the murder of 15 Ertzainas by ETA.

He has highlighted the "courage, teamwork, generosity and commitment" shown by the officers over the years, and has recalled the "important responsibility" of Basque society to "ensure security". In this regard, he has stressed that "it is not enough to obey orders" and has called on the officers to act with their own judgement, self-control and justice.

"We will not allow the Ertzaintza to be instrumentalized."

In any case, in the other direction, he said: "To the extent that Basque society has a demand, it also has a duty: to defend and believe in the Basque police. Our society will never accept the instrumentalization of the Ertzaintza." 

"We will not allow the Ertzaintza to be used as a political weapon, either by some or by others, let alone by those who for decades have never believed, fought or despised the Basque police, "he said.

The lehendakari has expressed his support for the officers of the Ertzaintza, but has reminded them of their duty to be rigorous: "This Basque society that trusts you will be rigorous with your work and your actions."