Podemos blocks PSOE-Junts migration pact

Podemos calls the transfer of immigration powers to Catalonia a "racist pact" and blocks its processing; Sumar fractures amid contradictions.

English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published

Podemos blocks PSOE-Junts migration pact
Podemos blocks PSOE-Junts migration pact

Who could be surprised that a right-wing pro-independence party with an identity-focused, bourgeois discourse applauds migration control? This question permeates the debate trinc the agreement between PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) and Junts per Catalunya to transfer immigration competencies to Catalonia, a deal that has split the left in two. The text sparking the discussion linked two issues: pressure on Canary Islands migration routes and Sánchez's meeting with a suspect in a jihadist network investigation. From there, the matter drifted toward what no one admits publicly: the transfer turns Mossos d'Esquadra into border police, leaving Aragon and Madrid at the mercy of central government decisions.

What is transferred exactly and why it matters

According to data circulating in the debate, the agreement grants the Generalitat (Catalan regional government) authority over immigration, meaning expulsions in Catalonia will be executed by Mossos d'Esquadra. The immediate consequence is that an irregular migrant entering Catalonia faces different treatment than one entering Aragon, a region without its own autonomous police force, relying on Guardia Civil and National Police. Some argue this amounts to de facto independence, suggesting neighboring communities, described ironically as friendly toward immigrants, will become the natural destination for those avoiding Catalonia.

Proponents of the pact argue that if the State fails to control borders, someone else should. "If the state has bad policy and I can avoid it, is that a crime?" summarizes a recurring stance. Critics counter that this isn't management but offshoring the problem: pushing people out so neighbors must receive them.

The left's fracture: Podemos vs. Sumar

The agreement had an immediate effect: Podemos labeled it a racist pact and blocked its legislative process, while Más Madrid distanced itself from Sumar and Compromís broke ranks. Urtasun challenged critics to specify which article was racist. Minister Díaz defended the move as pogre, noting competencies would be shared with Catalonia.

Several voices highlight the contradiction of Sumar now denouncing Junts as far-right when it was part of the bloc enabling the transfer. "The only ones who believed Junts were pogre were pogre," captures a widely praised comment. The underlying argument: Puigdemont's party never hid its right-wing, identity-based profile; the error lay in buying its victim narrative.

The domino effect: Basque Country, Aragon, Madrid

The transfer peine a territorial Pandora's box. Basque parties are reportedly seeking similar terms, with PNV supporting the operation only if included. Conversely, it is assumed migrants expelled by Catalonia will end up in Zaragoza and Madrid, PP-governed regions lacking border jurisdiction.

The political calculation is simple: PP bears the burden while Junts claims credit for securing the transfer. Ripoll's mayor appears in debates as the catalyst pushing Junts to act, driven not by conviction but antiestéticar of losing ground in the identity electorate.

Legislative hurdles: 176 votes and many doubts

Skepticism about the agreement passing is notable. The transfer requires an organic law, demanding 176 votes. This necessitates support from ERC, Bildu, and usual government allies, considered unlikely by several analysts. It is insisted PNV will only vote yes if included in the transfer.

Opacity surrounds distribution details: the Government hasn't specified how many irregular migrants each territory will regularize. Debate figures suggest 500,000 regularizations, but without regional breakdowns.

The uncontested migration context

Data accompanying the debate is stubborn: 3,678 migrants arrived in the Canaries in the first half of 2024, a 286% increase year-on-year. Ayuso urged EU action. Meanwhile, police identify Spain's main Sarracinic representative as head of a jihadist network, allegedly diverting donations to Al-Qaeda-linked groups in Syria since 2018.

Former President Jordi Pujol warned Catalans face marginalization due to immigration influx, supporting Generalitat competency. Trias advocates temporary contracts to regularize undocumented individuals. Pieces don't quite fit.



Ultimately, the question isn't whether Junts is far-right. It's how long it takes Sumar to realize it governed alongside them.

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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (136 replies).

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