Surprises in Basque election blur lines of political landscape

PARTIES in Spain’s Basque region prepared for horse-trading yesterday after a key regional election served up a dramatic shift in their political landscape — a rebuke to the nationalists pushing for autonomy, and the emergence of a little- known, pro-independence party as possible kingmaker.

Juan Jose Ibarretxe, of the ruling Basque Nationalist Party, which called for increased autonomy that verges on independence, was described as the election's big loser, even though his party and a moderate ally won.

But they fell short of a majority in the 75-seat Basque legislature and dropped from 33 to 29 seats. Ibarretxe is not even assured of keeping his job. It depends on what kind of coalition government is formed, and this could take weeks or even months.