Bildu warns that EU 'will not allow' such a 'democratic outrage'

During a press conference in Bilbao on Friday, Basque nationalist party Bildu warned that the EU "would not allow" a "democratic outrage" like that imposed by the Supreme Court decision to ban them from standing at the upcoming municipal and provincial elections, a decision, it believes, was "agreed between the PSOE and PP".

"A political order issued by the PSOE has been obeyed without question and the Supreme Court resolution is nothing more than legal cellophane for an agreement previously reached by the PSOE and PP," it said.

During Monday''s press conference, the leaders of EA, Pello Urizar, Alternativa, Oskar Matute, as well as Bildu''s chief candidate in Gipuzkoa, Martin Garitano, who were also joined by hundreds of other candidates and sympathisers, reiterated the party''s intention to appeal to the Tribunal Court adding that, in the event they are unsuccessful in their appeal, "the European option is open" and that it would request "the annulment of the elections".

They also expressed their conviction that European judges would hear their request and that the EU "will not allow this abuse of democracy."

Spain''s Supreme Court ruled on Sunday that the newly formed "Bildu" alliance could not run in forthcoming municipal elections because of some candidates'' ties to the political wing of Basque armed group ETA. The party has 48 hours in which to appeal the decision at the Constitutional Court, who will have to reach a decision before midnight on Thursday.

In order to address the situation, Bildu is committed to "acting more responsibly than ever" and to "joining forces" with other political groups.