Basque Parliament, Legislative assembly in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
The Basque Parliament is the legislative assembly housed in a government building in Vitoria-Gasteiz, with 75 deputies representing three provinces: Álava, Gipuzkoa, and Biscay. The structure serves as the main chamber where representatives draft and debate laws for the autonomous region.
The assembly began operations in March 1980 at the House of Juntas in Guernika before moving to its current location in Vitoria-Gasteiz in 1982. This relocation represented a significant step in establishing the region's modern self-governance after a long period of suspension.
The building contains an oak tree sculpture by Nestor Basterretxea that links the institution to old Basque customs of holding assemblies outdoors under natural trees. This artistic choice reflects how communities gathered for collective decisions in earlier times.
Visitors can observe sessions conducted in both Basque and Spanish, with translation services ensuring all discussions are accessible to everyone present. The building is well-connected to the city center and straightforward to reach.
Each of the three provinces elects the same number of representatives regardless of population differences, creating a system that deliberately balances territorial power. This arrangement ensures no single province dominates while giving all regions equal voice.
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