The coordinator general of EH Bildu, Arnaldo Otegi, has called for sovereignty for the Basque Country and Navarre to control their own immigration policies. He emphasized that these regions currently only have “assistance competence” in immigration matters and argued that they need to recover the authority to regulate migration, especially since they are nations at risk of losing their national identity. Otegi highlighted the increasing arrival of migrants, particularly in Canarias, and the redistribution of minors to other autonomous communities, which will be discussed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Canarias President Fernando Clavijo. He expressed concern about the spread of a narrative from the extreme right that blames migrants for societal issues, calling it dangerous.
Otegi mentioned Euskadi and Navarra’s willingness to host migrant minors but pointed out that they lack the authority to regulate immigration; they can only provide assistance. He stressed the importance of sovereignty in order to regulate their own immigration policies, a demand that Catalonia has also made and one that he believes should be considered in Euskadi as well. Otegi also discussed the upcoming political year in Spain and the potential for Esquerra and Junts to withdraw support from the government of Sánchez. He warned of the risk of the extreme right gaining power in Spain and stressed the need for progressive forces to prioritize stopping them, but also emphasized that a progressive government must have a progressive agenda that includes addressing the issue of the plurinationality of the Spanish state.
Otegi’s comments reflect a broader push for autonomy and sovereignty in immigration policy among Basque and Navarre regions, highlighting their desire to have more control over their own affairs. The focus on preserving national identity in the face of increasing migration and the need to address the rise of the extreme right in Spain underscore the urgency of these demands. The discussion around the redistribution of migrants and the role of autonomous communities in offering assistance but lacking regulatory power sheds light on the complexities of the current immigration system in Spain. By advocating for sovereignty in immigration policies, Otegi is calling for a more nuanced and responsive approach to addressing the challenges posed by migration in the region.
The debate around immigration policy and sovereignty in Euskadi and Navarra intersects with larger political dynamics in Spain, including the potential for a shift in government and the need for progressive forces to unite against the rise of the extreme right. Otegi’s emphasis on the importance of a comprehensive progressive agenda that includes addressing the plurinationality of the Spanish state underscores the complex and interconnected nature of the political landscape in Spain. The calls for sovereignty and autonomy in immigration policies reflect broader discussions around self-determination and national identity in the region, highlighting the importance of local control over issues that impact the community. As Spain grapples with the challenges posed by migration and the rise of the extreme right, Otegi’s advocacy for sovereignty in regulating immigration policies adds a crucial voice to the ongoing debate on how best to address these complex and pressing issues.
