Juan José Ibarretxe is a Spanish politician known for his role as the Lehendakari, or president, of the Basque Government from 1999 to 2009. He is a member of the Basque Nationalist Party and is recognized for his efforts to promote Basque nationalism and self-determination for the Basque Country. During his tenure, Ibarretxe proposed a controversial plan for greater autonomy, known as the Ibarretxe Plan, which aimed to redefine the relationship between the Basque Country and the rest of Spain. His proposals sparked significant political debate and were met with both support and opposition within Spain and the Basque region.