In Vitoria, authorities are on high alert due to upcoming protests organized by the radical abertzale group Euskal Herriko Ikasle Antolakunde Sozialista (IAS) against a Vox event scheduled for February 23. This event, which features Julia Calvet, a deputy in the Catalan Parliament, will take place near the Basque public university campus. The police are concerned that the protest may escalate as additional anti-fascist groups are expected to join the demonstration, raising the stakes given previous clashes between riot police and leftist factions in the area.

The Ertzaintza (the Basque police) and the university's administration have ramped up security measures in anticipation of potential violence, particularly following the serious disturbances that occurred during a similar protest on October 12. That incident highlighted the increasingly tense atmosphere surrounding political discourse in the Basque Country. Law enforcement has requested Vox to consider relocating their political event to ensure the safety and security of all involved.

This situation reflects broader tensions within Spanish society regarding nationalism and the presence of far-right politics as exemplified by Vox. As public events become flashpoints for these divisions, the response from law enforcement will be critical in maintaining order while balancing the rights to protest and free speech. The developments in Vitoria represent a microcosm of the ongoing struggle between differing political ideologies in the region, where radical activism and counter-protests are increasingly common.