Lehendakari

Lehendakari is the title for the President of the Basque Government, the executive branch of the autonomous community of the Basque Country in Spain. The term is Basque and translates to "president" or "leader." The Lehendakari is the highest representative of the Basque Country, both within the region and in its external relations. The role was first established during the Second Spanish Republic in 1936 with the Statute of Autonomy of the Basque Country, with José Antonio Aguirre y Lecube being the first to hold the title. The office was suppressed during the Franco dictatorship but was re-established with the re-establishment of democracy and the approval of the Basque Statute of Autonomy in 1979.

The Lehendakari is elected by the Basque Parliament, the legislative body of the Basque Country. Once elected, the Lehendakari proposes the members of their government, which is then approved by the Parliament. The Lehendakari is responsible for leading the Basque Government, setting its policy agenda, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the autonomous community. They also represent the Basque Country in dealings with the Spanish central government and other international bodies. The current Lehendakari is Iñigo Urkullu, who has held the office since December 2012. The position carries significant political weight within the Basque Country and is a key figure in Basque politics.