PP, Junts, and Vox have challenged the government by rejecting a proposed reform to the immigration law in Congress that aimed to make it mandatory for regions to accommodate migrant minors. With 177 votes against, only 171 in favor, and one abstention, the lower house of the Chamber rejected the consideration of the law, presented a week ago by PSOE, Sumar, and Coalición Canaria. The proposal sought to alleviate the situation in Canarias, Ceuta, and Melilla, which are currently overwhelmed with nearly 6,000 minors, triple their capacity. The PP, which demanded a state of emergency nationwide and stricter border controls, confirmed they would vote against the reform. They criticized the government for lacking a clear migration policy and for not providing sufficient resources to regions for the care of minors.
The government, through the ministries of Childhood and Youth, and Territorial Policy, extended negotiations throughout the day, but by mid-afternoon, it was clear that they would not succeed in the vote. The proposal would have allowed for new changes in its processing, but the PP, CC, and Junts insisted on it being withdrawn to no avail. The PP put forward demands including the immediate convening of a Conference of Presidents, a declaration of a migration emergency, sufficient financing, and state support when regions exceed their capacity in accommodating migrant minors. The lack of agreement led the PP to announce legal action to push for the Conference of Presidents. Junts also refused to support the reform, expressing concerns about its impact on Catalonia and criticizing the government for not consulting them.
Coalición Canaria’s sole MP, Cristina Valido, also called for a postponement of the vote, highlighting the urgency of the situation in Canarias and the need for comprehensive reform. The emotional plea emphasized the need for action and cooperation to address the migrant crisis. The PSOE, represented by the first congressman of Senegalese origin, Luc André Diouf, emphasized the ongoing need for dialogue and collaboration among parties. While some parties like ERC, EH Bildu, PNV, and Podemos supported the reform, others like UPN opted to abstain. The rejection of the reform by PP, Junts, and Vox was seen as a blow to the government.
The rejection of the reform highlights the political polarization around immigration policy in Spain. While some parties advocate for a humanitarian approach and shared responsibility, others focus on border security and national interests. The inability to reach a consensus on the reform raises questions about the government’s ability to address the challenges posed by migration, especially in regions like Canarias. The aftermath of this vote may lead to further tensions between coalition partners and opposition parties, complicating efforts to find common ground on this contentious issue. The rejection of the reform reflects broader debates within Spanish society about migration, solidarity, and national identity.
