The End of Three Decades of Nationalist Rule: The 2009 Regional Elections in the Basque Country

Abstract

Regional elections in the Basque Country on 1 March 2009 put an end to three decades of nationalist rule by the PNV. Although the PNV won the elections, the nationalist forces did not get a majority of seats in the Basque Parliament. A new minority government, led by the Socialist party, has been formed with the parliamentary support of the Spanish conservative party. This article analyses these crucial elections, the electoral changes that have taken place with regard to previous ones, and the possible consequences for the vexed issue of terrorism in the near future.