Banning of Basque Bildu group sparks nationalist anger

The Supreme Court's decision to prohibit Basque pro-independence radicals from registering a party to run in upcoming local elections has triggered a cascade of criticism from the region's main nationalist party, the PNV.

Party leader Iñigo Urkullu announced the PNV will no longer partner with the ruling Socialists on future parliamentary initiatives, although this decision does not affect an existing agreement on the 2011 budget. The government had mounted a legal challenge against the Bildu platform.

"It makes no political sense to close off participation [in the elections] to legal organizations and free, independent individuals in full possession of their civil and political liberties, and who have met all the demands," said Urkullu.

The legal blow against Bildu, a coalition of left-wing Basque parties and independents, was described by the PNV as being "of extreme gravity," and subject to appeal before European institutions. Meanwhile, Bildu confirmed it will take its case to the Constitutional Court.

The Supreme Court ruled by a nine-to-six majority that Bildu is still made up of members of Batasuna, the outlawed political wing of the terrorist group ETA, and that they are simply trying to slip back into institutions using another name.

Socialists appear divided over the issue. San Sebastián Mayor Odón Elorza said the Supreme Court's decision is "a mistake."