Born in Bilbao in 1961, Juan Mari Aburto has a degree in Law from the University of Deusto (1979-1984), a diploma in Economic Law from the University of Deusto (1979-1984), and a diploma in Public Policy Evaluation.
He has held important positions both in the Basque Government, where he served as Councillor for Employment and Social Affairs (2012-2015) and Director of Services of the Department of the Interior (1991-1994), and in the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, where he assumed the responsibilities of Provincial Deputy of the Presidency, Lieutenant General and Spokesperson (2011 - 2012); Provincial Deputy of Social Action (2003-2007 and 2007-2011). Spokesman since 2010; Director General for the Legal System and the Civil Service (1994-2003). He was also a proxy in the General Meetings of Bizkaia for EAJ-PNV (July 2011- December 2012). He has been the mayor of the city of Bilbao since 2015.