The Basque Government’s Department of Culture and Linguistic Policy has presented a proposed budget of €442.8 million for 2027, representing a 7% increase compared with this year’s accounts. Vice-Lehendakari and Culture and Linguistic Policy Councillor Ibone Bengoetxea presented the figures at the Basque Parliament.
The budget includes €1.7 million for commemorations planned throughout a year marked by several major anniversaries. These include the 30th anniversary of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, the 25th anniversary of Artium in Vitoria, the 75th anniversary of the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the 30th anniversary of the Euskadiko Orkestra Gaztea, which will mark the occasion with a concert in Berlin. The 90th anniversary of the bombing of Gernika will also be commemorated.
According to the department, direct resources for culture, the Basque language and sport, excluding personnel costs, have increased by 32% over the current legislature. Bengoetxea said the government was strengthening institutions, supporting professionals and expanding access to cultural, linguistic and sporting activities.
Responding to criticism from the People’s Party and Vox, which described the budget as “identity-based” and “nationalist”, the councillor defended the work of Basque institutions to protect cultural and linguistic heritage. She described the growth achieved during the legislature as a significant increase in the capacity to develop public policies and reinforce the cultural, linguistic and sporting sectors.
The Basque public broadcaster EiTB will receive €212 million, an increase of 5.3%.
Sources: elDiario.es.