"ETB will not broadcast the king's message, an act of cultural resistance in the Basque Country."

The recent decision by the Basque public broadcaster, ETB, not to broadcast King Felipe VI's Christmas message has sparked a debate that goes beyond mere protocol and delves into the realms of cultural identity and sovereignty. In a context where the figure of the Spanish monarchy has faced criticism and questioning, particularly in communities with strong identities like the Basque Country, this decision appears to be a response to a historical legacy that many prefer not to forget. The collective memory carries the echoes of dark years when cultural colonization was evident through the imposition of symbols and discourses that, far from representing all Spaniards, seemed to reinforce a social hierarchy. Between 2009 and 2011, the airing of Juan Carlos I's speech on ETB was an almost exceptional event in a framework that, for many, should never have been normalized. The current king, rather than distancing himself from that murky past, seems tied to a narrative that, despite attempts at renewal, continues to generate divisions. The figure of the king has been embroiled in scandals that have called into question not only his legitimacy but also that of the monarchical system as a whole. From accusations of corruption to the perception of a justice system that is not equal for all, the crown has lost some of the respect it once commanded. However, ETB's response is not merely a reflection of distrust towards the monarchy but a manifestation of a deep desire for self-determination and respect for local traditions. The fact that some sectors demand ETB adhere to a protocol that involves bowing to a monarchical figure invites reflection on what kind of society we want to build. Is it acceptable for citizens to be forced to lower their heads before a representative of an institution that, in their view, does not represent them? This dilemma becomes a matter of principles and dignity. For many Basques, the decision not to broadcast the king's message is an act of resistance against a tradition they consider archaic. Reactions to this decision have been varied and, at times, intense. Supporters of the broadcast argue that normality involves accepting and respecting all institutions, while those who support the refusal see it as a sign of political and social maturity. This discrepancy highlights the deep divisions that still persist in Spanish society, where the past continues to influence present relationships. On the other hand, criticism of those who insist that airing the royal speech would be a sign of "normality" reveals the complexity of the term. Normality cannot be built on fear or obligation. In a democratic context, the act of looking straight ahead and not bowing one’s head is a symbol of self-respect and dignity. In this light, ETB's decision can be interpreted as a rejection of submission to institutions that, at their core, represent a model of governance that not everyone accepts. It is essential to recognize that the debate over the monarchy and its representation in public media is not exclusive to the Basque Country. Autonomous communities like Catalonia have also been involved in similar discussions, where their identities and histories clash with a centralist and monarchical vision of Spain. This reality reflects a shift in the perception of the monarchy and the desire of many communities to construct their own narrative. The resistance to broadcasting the king's message could be a first step toward redefining the relationship between institutions and autonomous identities. At a time when voices calling for self-determination are intensifying, decisions like ETB's open the door to new narratives waiting to be explored and discussed. Ultimately, the current context invites us to examine our traditions and question what we consider "normal." The struggle for dignity and respect for one's identity cannot be silenced by the imposition of protocols that do not reflect the plurality of Spanish society. From the Basque Country, the voice of a community rises that has decided not to bow its head, neither in moments of celebration nor in times of criticism.