The ceremony was marked by a few major changes, as well as by the open hostility and disappointment of the PNV.
First of all, the usual order in which ceremonies take place was changed. Instead of promising his loyalty to the Basque citizens first, López decided to begin by swearing his loyalty to the King of Spain and the Constitution of Gernika, and promising to abide to all laws.
Another notable change came in the form of the exact words used for the oath. Traditionally, the Lehendakari swears that he will rule under the guidance of God, and do so for the Basque people. Patxi López omitted the reference to God, and substituted the word "people" for "citizens".
The exact words López used were:"De pie en tierra vasca, bajo el Árbol de Gernika, ante vosotros, representantes de la ciudadanía vasca, en recuerdo de los antepasados, prometo desde el respeto a la Ley desempeñar fielmente mi cargo de Lehendakari".
That is: "Standing here on Basque ground, beneath the Tree of Gernika, before you, representatives of the Basque citizens, in memory of the ancestors, I promise through respect to the Law fulfilling faithfully my position as Lehendakari".
After this speech, the leaving Lehendakari, Juan José Ibarretxe, handed the makila, symbol of the Basque president, over to Patxi López. Upon this moment, everyone stood up and applauded, except for representatives of Aralar, and the representatives of the PNV, who did stand up but did not give a round of applause.
