Batasuna facts for kids
Batasuna was a political party in Spain. It was first known as Herri Batasuna when it started in 1978. This was after a big change in Spain's government. In 2001, the party changed its name to Batasuna.
In 2003, Batasuna became illegal in Spain. However, it continued to be a political party in France. Many people believed the party had close connections with ETA, a group that used violence.
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What Was Batasuna?
Batasuna saw itself as a party that supported nationalism and left-wing ideas. It was also called socialist. The party also believed in feminism and protecting the environment.
What Did Batasuna Believe?
Batasuna wanted the Basque Country to become an independent state. This region, where the Basque language is spoken, is split between Spain (the Basque Country and Navarre) and France (the Pyrénées-Atlantiques area). This whole area is known as Euskal Herria, which means "Basque country."
Batasuna was the only party that did not speak out against the violent actions carried out by ETA. Batasuna said it was wrong to only criticize one type of violence. They felt that the actions of the Spanish state, which they believed treated the Basque people unfairly, should also be criticized. The Spanish government, however, stated that it did not use violence against its people after the old government ended. They also said that using violence for political reasons was unacceptable.
Why Was Batasuna Banned?
Spain, the European Court of Human Rights, and the European Union all saw Batasuna as the political side of ETA. Because it was made illegal, the party used different names to try and continue its work. Some of these names included Euskal Herritarrok, Sozialista Abertzaleak, Ezker Abertzaleak, and Aukera Guztiak (AUB).
Batasuna did take part in elections in the French part of the Basque Country, for example in Ustaritz, which is near Bayonne.
When Did Batasuna End?
The Batasuna party officially stopped existing in January 2013.
See also
In Spanish: Batasuna para niños
