Jose Antonio Aguirre

José Antonio Aguirre was a prominent Basque politician and lawyer, best known as the first Lehendakari (regional president) of the Basque Country in Spain, serving from 1936 to 1960. A leading figure in Basque nationalism and the Basque People's Party, he dedicated his life to defending Basque culture, language, and autonomy. During the Spanish Civil War, he led Basque forces resisting Franco's fascist regime. Exiled after defeat, he continued advocating for Basque rights from abroad. Aguirre is remembered as a symbol of Basque identity and a committed defender of regional self-government.