BackOn 10 June 2025, the Ararteko-Ombudsman of the Basque Country, Manuel Lezertua, officially announced to the Parliament of the Basque Country his decision to step down after ten years in office. The current Deputy Ombudsman, Inés Ibañez de Maeztu, will remain as interim Ombudsman until the Basque Parliament appoints the new Ombudsman.
As Ararteko, Manuel Lezertua defended the role of the Ombudsman as the leading figure for the protection of citizen’s rights in the Basque Country in the eyes of both the citizens and the administration. Moreover, he increased the Ombuds institution’s engagement at the European and international level and led the process for institutional reform of the Ararteko, which aims to strengthen the institution and to bring it into line with the latest international standards and best practices.
Source: The Ararteko - Ombudsman of the Basque Country, Spain
