The President of the Parliament of Navarre, Unai Hualde, publicly condemned the attempt to storm the regional chamber by a group of farmers who protested outside while the 2024 budget bill was debated. He described the act as unacceptable in a democracy and stressed that such behavior has no place in a modern parliamentary setting.
In comments to the press, Hualde called the disturbances utterly lamentable, unacceptable, and something that democracy should reject. He emphasized that the Parliament is a place where all groups and the institution itself welcome people who follow regular procedures, describing it as an open and accessible forum for dialogue and debate. What occurred, however, was clearly different, as attempting to push into a plenary session to pressure lawmakers represents conduct incompatible with democratic norms. He likened the incident to an assault on the Capitol and called it a genuine disgrace.
Hualde explained that the Parliament’s presidency would push for an institutional declaration at the next Council of the Chamber to condemn the events, stand in solidarity with journalists and police officers who faced aggression, and recognize the role of the regional police in preventing a potentially serious crime. The aim is to acknowledge the risk that could have materialized and note that the act would have qualified as a crime under the Penal Code.
Amparo López, the Minister of Interior, Public Function and Justice and spokesperson for the Navarre government, described the events as intolerable and very serious. She announced that investigations would be opened against those who participated in the attempted assault on the Navarre Parliament and that efforts would be made to identify the perpetrators.
Images and video recordings of the actions have been collected and will be examined in detail to determine their classification under applicable laws. López underscored that the right to peaceful mobilization remains valid and recognized, but actions such as those seen today undermine institutions and public representatives. She condemned the incidents as intolerable and very serious, noting that the Parliament avoided a potentially dangerous situation thanks to the swift intervention of the Police Foral.
The minister asserted that the situation could have been far worse if the Police Foral had not intervened promptly. She expressed solidarity with the police officers and journalists who experienced the tense moment and urged that no such attitudes or behaviors toward institutions and public representatives be repeated.
When asked about sanctions for those who participated in the various tractor protests that affected traffic on multiple roads and central Pamplona, López stated that the law applies equally to everyone. Administrative infractions and criminal offenses are being considered, and authorities are acting within the established legal framework. She added that security, transportation, and the right to demonstrate must be balanced with respect for others and without compromising public order.
She emphasized the necessity of applying the law while protecting the mobility and safety of the public services, as well as the right to protest, but with respect for the institutions and their representatives. This approach reflects a commitment to lawful conduct and accountability in public demonstrations, especially in sensitive moments within a region where political processes are ongoing.
In summary, officials from Navarre reaffirmed their determination to uphold democratic norms, protect public servants and journalists, and ensure that those responsible for violent or disruptive actions face appropriate consequences. The overarching message was clear: lawful protest is protected, but acts of violence or coercive pressure targeting institutions will be investigated and prosecuted, without exception. The authorities hope to deter similar episodes in the future and restore confidence in the executive and legislative processes that shape regional governance.
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