Young Basques dream of independence

Nationalists say only full independence will do

Spain's Basque region, beset by years of separatist violence, is electing a new parliament on Sunday. Gareth Gordon tests the mood among young voters.

Gorka is 20. He was born around the time when the Basque country was granted autonomy within Spain.

It now enjoys a greater level of self-rule than ever - with tax-collecting powers, its own police and complete control over schools and universities.

But it is not enough for a growing number of young people like Gorka who want nothing less than full independence.

My dream would be that everything would be Basque, governed by Basques, the language spoken by the people would be Basque, all schools would be Basque language and that it would all be ours

Independence supporter

"We are going to fight for it, political and military. Any way is good for a liberation of the Basque country," he said.

By "fight", he means the 30-year terror campaign waged by ETA which has claimed more than 800 lives.

The walls of the bar where Gorka is speaking - in the mountain town of Andaoin - are covered with pictures of local ETA members. Some are in prison, some are dead.

Gorka speaks of them with pride and says he would "probably" be prepared to join the ranks - if "called."

Teachers blamed

Marimar Blanco is seven years older than Gorka. Both are Basque - but that's all they have in common.

Her brother, a councillor with Spain's ruling Popular Party , was murdered by ETA three years ago - a killing that outraged people so much it lead indirectly to an ETA ceasefire.

But now ETA is killing again. Marimar Blanco is worried that so many young people appear to support the terrorists, and blames the education system.

Many Spaniards have taken to the streets in anger at ETA's campaign

Mother-of-three Pilar, who lives in the Basque capital Vitoria, agrees.

She was so afraid that her son Alvaro was being indocrinated by his teachers that she withdrew him from school and sent him to live in England for a year.

"It's a sector of the teachers who say to the young people: 'You are very important because you are the basis of the revolution in the Basque country'."

'Urban fight'

Now 21, Alvaro is back home - but still a nationalist.

Young Basques are being introduced to the struggle by the organisation Haika (Rise Up), which claims to have 20,000 members.

They are involved in the "Kale Barroka" (urban fight) - street disturbances and minor vandalism.

ETA's campaign of terror has claimed more than 800 lives

It is believed to be a fertile recruiting ground for ETA.

Haika members gather in the Old Town of San Sebastian where many of the bars are now virtual shrines to the "cause."

Most are reluctant to speak openly about politics, but one girl called Leira says: "If the young people don't fight then who will?

"My dream would be that everything would be Basque, governed by Basques, the language spoken by the people would be Basque, all schools would be Basque language and that it would all be ours."

Nationalist threat

Teo Santos, a member of the Basque police force, the Erzaintza, says between 300 and 500 young people are involved in the Kale Barroka. Of these only 15 to 20 have gone on to join ETA - so far.

This weekend Basques go the the polls to elect a new regional parliament.

For the first time nationalists may lose control. The non-violent nationalist party the PNV cannot form a coalition with ETA's political wing EH because of the killings.

I think we have today enough power to make sure Basque society becomes a nation

Nationalist
Joseba Arregui

Revulsion at the violence may just tip the scales in favour of the pro-Spanish parties, PP and the Socialists, who hope to get enough seats to form a Government - a scenario which could lead to even more ETA violence.

Life-long nationalist and PNV member Joseba Arregui believes it is time to redefine the Basque notion of nationhood.

"I think we have today enough power to make sure Basque society becomes a nation," he says.

But an increasingly radical band of young people like Gorka don't agree.

"We are going to win, I am sure of that," he insists.

You can hear more on this story on the The 5 Live Report: The New Basques, broadcast at 12 noon on Sunday 13 May on BBC Radio 5 Live and repeated on Saturday 19 May at 20:35.