The issue of legalizing migrants has become one of Spain’s most pressing topics this year. Decisions being made now have the potential to reshape not only the country’s demographic landscape but also its public services and political scene. The debate has taken on particular urgency with upcoming elections and mounting pressure from the opposition.
Opposition parties, primarily Partido Popular (PP) and VOX, are actively using migration as a tool to criticize the government. They claim that the initiative to legalize large numbers of foreigners is nothing more than an attempt to artificially boost the electorate, which could influence the outcome of future elections. Although legally, new residents will not have the right to vote in the upcoming elections, concerns and suspicions continue to grow.
Political clashes
PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo raised this issue at a meeting of European conservatives in Zagreb. He warned his colleagues about the potential risks for Europe if Spain legalizes hundreds of thousands of migrants who arrived before the end of last year and have been living in the country for more than five months. During informal talks, Feijóo also brought up the investigation into the Adamuz rail accident, suggesting possible misuse of European funds.
Despite active discussions, the final summit document made no mention of Spain. The only outcome was a call for orderly migration and a warning against “false solidarity.” Migration has long been a central issue for VOX, and now PP is increasingly making it a key topic in their election campaigns, especially in regions like Aragón.
Arguments from both sides
The Socialists, represented by candidate Pilar Alegría, focus on the real needs of residents and emphasize that government policies have brought investment to the regions. However, the opposition is sticking to its rhetoric, continuing to insist on the risks associated with mass legalization.
In the corridors of the European meeting, the Spanish prime minister was portrayed in a highly negative light. Some MEPs noted that the conservative leader did not pay enough attention to global challenges facing Europe related to US policy, which caused confusion among colleagues.
Legal nuances
Legally, mass legalization does not grant migrants the right to vote in the upcoming elections. Obtaining citizenship will take more than a year, and only the fastest will be eligible to participate in voting by 2028. Nevertheless, government opponents continue to use this argument to stoke public anxiety.
European officials remind that issues of legalization fall exclusively within the competence of national governments. The European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, emphasized that Brussels does not intervene in such decisions, leaving them at the discretion of each country.
Context and consequences
While political battles continue, Spain still faces real challenges: labor shortages, increased strain on social services, and the need to adapt infrastructure to new realities. Migrants are already performing key roles in elderly care and in sectors where there are not enough local specialists.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced waves of heated debate over migration. In 2024, similar disputes broke out after an attempt at fast-tracking the legalization of agricultural workers. Back then, as now, the opposition accused the government of political manipulation, while supporters of reform insisted on the need to adapt to demographic and economic challenges. European partners have traditionally taken a wait-and-see stance, stressing the sovereignty of member states in migration matters. As a result, each new initiative becomes a catalyst for fierce debate and the search for a balance between societal interests and political ambitions.
