The PP is urged to support the approval and a minimum ‘popular’ abstention for consideration
MADRID, 15 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
On Monday, the Socialist parliamentary group, Sumar, and Coalición Canaria presented a bill to modify the Immigration Law. They are pressing the PP to assist with its approval. The discussion for consideration is scheduled for the Plenary Session on July 23rd, with an urgent parliamentary procedure.
The proposed amendment aims to adjust article 35 of the Immigration Law to address the distribution of unaccompanied migrant minors when the reception capacity exceeds 150% in a territory. Parliamentary sources indicate that securing at least one ‘popular’ abstention is crucial for the proposal to be taken into account.
According to the Minister for Youth and Childhood, Sira Rego, the modification will enable the establishment of a mandatory and supportive reception system for migrant children across all Spanish territories. “The current voluntary mechanism has proven inadequate in addressing the situation in the Canary Islands, where almost 6,000 children are currently residing,” she highlighted.
Emphasising the significance of the PP’s stance in approving the reform, Minister Rego stated, “It is now up to the Popular Party to choose whether to prioritise children’s rights or continue to uphold ultra-right policies. We hope they support the protection of children’s rights and aid in the approval of this article 35 reform.”
Minister Rego expressed hope for swift approval of the reform, citing the urgent need for a response to the complex situation at hand.
The minister also linked the reform to a reception mechanism unanimously approved at the 2022 sector conference by all autonomous communities, including a financing arrangement. She underlined that the proposal guarantees adequate funding to support the mandatory and supportive reception nationwide. “It encompasses all necessary aspects: financial sufficiency and assurance of financial resources,” she added.
Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, described the reform registration as “concluding an internal, arduous, and intricate process,” providing a definitive solution to the burden faced by border territories in accommodating all arriving minors.
Torres noted that the proposal upholds the interests of autonomous communities, rooted in the Sectoral Conference decisions. “Each community has a say and a vote. It assures financial backing by referencing the funding approved in September 2022 by the Sectoral Conference, with a three-month window for revising criteria and formulating a new plan if desired,” he elaborated.
Torres highlighted that the Canary Islands are currently hosting 6,000 unaccompanied migrant minors, well beyond the 2,000 capacity, necessitating the relocation of 4,000 minors to other regions over 12 months. He assured expedited transfer of all identified minors with preserved rights by their legal guardians within 15 days.
“This proposal offers a definitive solution. We will proceed urgently with the requisite requests and appeal for the support of parliamentary groups to secure prompt approval in both Congress and the Senate, in the best interests of minors congested in territories like the Canary Islands or Ceuta,” Torres urged, emphasising equal rights for all minors, regardless of their immigration status.
A DECREE LAW – ACT OF IMPRUDENCE
Addressing the Canary Islands’ proposal to enact a decree law for immediate solidarity reception of minors, Torres acknowledged the shared sense of urgency and emergency. However, he underscored the necessity for clarity. “A decree law is presented to the Council of Ministers when preliminary validation support is ensured, needing final validation within 30 days. Presently, as of today, we lack backing. The Popular Party has not confirmed its support, and other groups have voiced opposition,” he clarified. He warned against leaving relocated minors in legal limbo, deeming it irresponsible.
Yet, Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, affirmed that if the bill’s processing encounters obstacles, they will continue advocating for the decree law to provide immediate solutions.
“It is evident that revising the Immigration Law is imperative. We must be more agile and protective. However, we are urging the recognition of the urgency for further deliberation on the law’s text and modifications,” Clavijo asserted.
Clavijo asserted that timely action is feasible through collaborative efforts with all democratic forces in the Congress of Deputies, particularly those inclined towards national agreements. “Following Vox’s divergence from various governments, the Popular Party may now find greater freedom to reach consensus at the national level,” he remarked.
Stressing that the issue transcends politics and territorial disputes, Clavijo framed it as “a humanitarian crisis and tragedy.” “As a nation, we are obligated to respond,” he urged.
Cristina Valido, a deputy from the Canary Coalition, expressed optimism, insisting that neglecting this humanitarian crisis is a collective responsibility.
Íñigo Errejón, spokesperson for Sumar in Congress, echoed similar sentiments, expressing confidence in a swift parliamentary process. “However, we cannot ignore the responsibility that the Popular Party bears in this matter. The party must make a choice, even if it means abstaining. It is imperative for the Popular Party to determine its position,” he stressed.
Concluding the statements, Patxi López, spokesperson for the Socialist Group in Congress, underscored the reform’s significance in helping children fleeing hunger, war, and poverty. “These minors are not armed aggressors, as claimed by Vox. They are children seeking refuge,” he emphasised.
López called for a deep reflection by political parties by the scheduled date of 23rd July when the bill undergoes the Plenary Session. “It is contradictory to preach solidarity and humanity and then fail to pass a law that translates these values into action,” he critiqued, pointing towards the role of the PP.
