The position of head of the Ertzaintza has been awarded by direct appointment

The Deputy Minister of Security has awarded the position of Chief of the Ertzaintza. The resolution published in issue number 163 of the Official Gazette of the Basque Country (BOPV) on August 27, 2026, announces that the resolution of July 28, 2026, regarding the procedure to fill the position 10011-Chief of the Ertzaintza by free appointment, has been posted on the Gurenet portal.

The resolution was signed by Deputy Minister of Security Ricardo Ituarte Azpiazu in Vitoria-Gasteiz on July 28, 2026, and has the official reference 2026/3708. The position is the highest-ranking officer of the Ertzaintza and concerns the leadership of public security.

Procedure and Legal Basis

The position was filled through a definitive provision procedure, as a result of the call issued by the resolution of June 9, 2026 (C371). That call reserved the position for career officials of the Ertzaintza, specifically for those in the category of intendente of the superior scale.

The resolution was issued in accordance with Decree 318/2024, of October 29, which establishes the organic and functional structure of the Department of Security. The Deputy Minister acted according to the provisions set out in the third clause of the call.

Announcement of the Award

The resolution states that the resolution of the same day, which awards the position 10011-Chief of the Ertzaintza, was posted on July 28, 2026, on the Gurenet portal, the internal portal of the Department of Security. The system is one of free appointment, and the award was made through a definitive provision procedure.

• Position: 10011-Chief of the Ertzaintza.
• System: free appointment.
• Call: resolution of June 9, 2026 (C371).
• Applicants: career officials of the Ertzaintza, intendente category and superior scale.
• Resolution: July 28, 2026, posted on the Gurenet portal.

Importance

The appointment of the Chief of the Ertzaintza is a strategic decision for the leadership of public security in the Basque Country, as the position is the high command of the Ertzaintza. The award resolution is available on the Gurenet portal, and the details of the appointment can be consulted there.

Source: Official Gazette of the Basque Country, issue number 163, August 27, 2026, section I (official reference: 2026/3708).