19 June 2026
Bilbao
The University of Deusto presented the results of the Summer 2026 edition of the Deusto Social Barometer (DBSoc) on 19 June. According to this six-monthly survey, which gathers public opinion and preferences on the issues that generate the greatest concern in Basque society, access to housing is consolidated as the main problem in Basque society (50%). Citizens once again give housing policy a failing grade (3.8) and are pessimistic (71%) about its resolution in the medium term.
Concern about healthcare rises again, becoming the second most important concern among the public (38%). Over the last six months, both the rating (5.2) and trust (5.9) in Osakidetza have declined. The cost of living is cited as the third most important concern among Basque citizens (34%), and 24% have not taken a summer holiday for financial reasons. By contrast, concern about security (22%) and immigration (18%) declines.
One in three Basque people believes that the increase in tourism is contributing to the loss of Basque culture and identity, and a majority (63%) considers that it is driving up rental housing prices.
Basque and public employment
50% of citizens do not believe there is a judicial campaign against Basque, compared with 33% who perceive such a campaign. 47% believe that there are too many Basque language requirements for access to public sector employment, 33% are satisfied with the current model, and 18% support increasing Basque language requirements. Furthermore, 47% of citizens consider that a new Statute for the Basque Country is necessary. 61% would support safeguarding public services (Osakidetza, education), while 39% support the inclusion of the right to decide.
The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) is the preferred party for managing security (24%), Osakidetza (24%), public education (20%), industry (35%), employment, immigration (18%), and language policy (24%). EHBildu is the preferred party for housing policy (18%) and for support for the most vulnerable (18%).
The majority of Basque citizens (59%) believe that the main threat in the new global geopolitical context is the President of the United States, well ahead of Russia (20.3%) or Chinese trade policy (8%). The three most widely shared global concerns among the Basque public are wars (45%), sharp price increases (36%) and the rise of anti-democratic ideas (33%).
The Summer 2026 edition of this survey is now available on the website: deusto.es/barometrosocial.
Presentation of the Deustobarometer Report Summer 2026
Deustobarometer in 9 key facts
