Carlos Garaikoetxea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carlos Garaikoetxea Urriza
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Garaikoetxea in 2011
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| 3rd Lehendakari of the Basque Country | |
| In office 2 May 1979 – 26 January 1985 |
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| Vice President | Mario Fernandez (1979-1985) |
| Preceded by | Jesús María de Leizaola |
| Succeeded by | José Antonio Ardanza |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 June 1938 Pamplona, Navarre, Spain |
| Political party | PNV (until 1985), EA (1985 - ) |
| Spouse | Sagrario Mina |
Carlos Garaikoetxea Urriza was born on June 2, 1938. He is a former politician from the Basque Country in Spain. He became the second elected Lehendakari, which means President of the Basque Autonomous Community. He held this important job from 1979 to 1985.
Contents
Early Life and Political Career
Carlos Garaikoetxea was a key leader in the Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ-PNV) in Navarre between 1975 and 1980. In 1979, he was chosen to be the president of the Basque General Council. This was a temporary group that helped prepare the Basque Country to govern itself.
After a special set of rules, called the Statute of Autonomy, was approved, Garaikoetxea was elected Lehendakari in 1980. He was re-elected for a second term in 1984.
Developing Basque Self-Government
During his time as Lehendakari, the Basque Country gained more control over its own affairs. He helped create important public services. For example, he launched EiTB, the Basque public radio and television service, on December 31, 1982.
Other key institutions were also set up under his leadership. These included Osakidetza, the Basque Public Health System, which provides healthcare. He also established the Ertzaintza, which is the Basque police service.
In August 1983, the region faced severe floods in Bilbao. Garaikoetxea worked with both Basque and Spanish emergency teams to help solve the problems caused by the floods. The economy also improved through a special agreement called the Basque "Concierto Económico." This agreement helped the Basque Country manage its own money. The Basque language was also made a part of the education system across the region.
Political Changes and Retirement
In 1985, there were big disagreements within his political party, EAJ-PNV. These disagreements led to a major split. Carlos Garaikoetxea then left the party and helped create a new one called Eusko Alkartasuna. He became its president and was a candidate for the Basque Presidency.
He continued in this role until 1999, when he decided to retire from politics. He was elected as a representative in the Basque Parliament many times. He also served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1987 to 1991.
See also
- Spanish transition to democracy
- Statute of Autonomy of the Basque Country
