Pedro Sánchez’s pledge to transfer regional responsibility for migration to Catalonia sparks backlash, following demands from separatist parties accused of “xenophobia” and parliamentary alliance to retain Spain’s premiership It highlighted the fragility of
Last week, during the first important parliamentary vote of the new parliament, Mr Sanchez was forced to seek support from the hardline JxCat to pass three decrees containing important measures to help households cope with rising inflation. lost.
In exchange for JxCat’s seven votes, Sanchez agreed to transfer responsibility for immigration to the local government in this wealthy northeastern region that borders France.
Spain’s 17 regions have broad powers, particularly regarding education and health care, but immigration issues are usually handled by the central government.
JX Cat said the deal included a “comprehensive” transfer of powers regarding immigration, but Sanchez said border control and illegal immigration would be addressed, along with new powers over migrant employment and integration policies. He said it would remain in state hands.
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The details have not yet been finalized in a document that must be approved by parliament, but the issue has provoked angry reactions from police, Spain’s right-wing opposition parties and even members of the Radical Left coalition led by Mr. Sánchez’s Socialist Party.
Spain’s largest police union, Juport, accused Mr. Sánchez of using the police force responsible for dealing with immigration and foreigner issues to “succumb to pressure from Catalan separatists.”
And right-wing opposition leader Alberto Nuñez Feijó, head of the Popular Party, accused Sanchez on Monday of “transferring immigration policy” to a party that “Sanchez himself” branded as “xenophobic.” .
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Feijou was referring to comments made by Sanchez in February 2021 in which he accused certain candidates running for XXSC in local elections of using words of “hate and xenophobia” similar to far-right language. Was.
One candidate who ultimately resigned spoke of “wiping out Spaniards” from Catalonia.
In May 2018, Sánchez referred to Catalonia’s then-leader Quim Tora to Jean Marie, the founder of France’s far-right National Front (now Rally National), referring to Catalonia as a “racial group.” He called her the “Le Pen of Spanish politics” for his discriminatory and xenophobic remarks. The superiority of Catalans over other Spaniards.
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More recently, left-wing elements have been furious with JxCat leaders for saying that Catalonia should have the power to ban immigrants with repeat criminal convictions.
JxCat was crucial in Mr. Sánchez’s re-election for a new term in November following an inconclusive July election, as the prime minister, who is leading a minority government, was able to move the bill. means that its support, and that of various other regional parties, is needed. Through Congress.
Instead of casting seven “yes” votes in November, Sanchez will pass a controversial amnesty law for people wanted by the justice system in connection with Catalonia’s failed bid for independence in 2017. Agreed.
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The pledge infuriated Spain’s right-wing opposition, but also some of Mr. Sánchez’s socialists.
And this latest agreement on immigration capacity has also been criticized by Smar, a radical left-wing group that is part of Mr Sanchez’s ruling coalition.
Spokesman Smar and Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun said on Monday that the agreement promotes “xenophobic statements that should be kept outside public debate.”
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Immigration has been a hot topic in Catalonia since May 2023, when Sylvia Orioles (candidate from anti-separatist anti-immigration hardliner Alianza Catalana) was elected mayor of the northern town of Ripoll.
Juan Ignasi Elena, the region’s interior minister, told a local radio station that JxCat is calling for stronger immigration controls and “trying to stop Alianza Catalana and the Orioles from stealing votes.”
The region is currently run by the more moderate separatist party ERC.
He said the statement about prohibiting immigrants with criminal records from reoffending stemmed from JxCat’s “association” of immigrants with delinquency.
Sanchez fought back Sunday.
“I absolutely cannot agree with anyone who equates or equates immigrants with delinquency,” Sanchez said in an interview with El Pais Mainichi, adding that the government has a “humanitarian immigration policy.” emphasized.
Du/Ham/CW