A new political conflict is brewing in Spain, one that could impact the lives of hundreds of thousands. The government, seeking to strengthen its position in parliament, has made a bold and unexpected move — it has agreed with Podemos on an emergency procedure to legalize a large number of migrants. This decision has already sparked heated debate among politicians, experts, and ordinary citizens, as it goes against the trends observed in other European countries.
Unlike most EU countries, which have toughened migration laws in recent years, Spain is taking the opposite approach. The authorities plan to offer legalization to those who have been in the country until the end of 2025, have no serious criminal record, and can prove at least five months of residence in Spain at the time of application. This move is seen as a political gesture aimed at strengthening the left’s position and showcasing independence from broader European trends.
Political stakes
The agreement with Podemos was the result of complex negotiations in which minister Félix Bolaños played a key role. For the Socialists, this compromise was necessary: without Podemos’ support, the government risked losing control over key votes in parliament. In particular, this involves passing crucial decrees on pensions and free transport, which were set to be considered in the coming days.
The intra-party struggle on the left flank has also intensified. Ahead of the elections in Aragón, left-wing forces found themselves divided, with the IU-Sumar coalition and Podemos fiercely competing for influence. For Podemos, this agreement became an important asset, allowing the party to strengthen its position and demonstrate its real impact on national policy to voters.
A contrast with Europe
The decision by the Spanish authorities sharply contrasts with the policies of other European countries, where even social democratic governments are tightening migration rules. This gap is particularly evident against the backdrop of developments in the United Kingdom and the United States, where rhetoric and measures regarding migrants have become stricter in recent years. Spain, on the other hand, is demonstrating a willingness to take its own path, despite criticism and pressure from the opposition.
President Pedro Sánchez and Vice President Yolanda Díaz have repeatedly emphasized that their approach to migration fundamentally differs from that of their European counterparts. This new step only deepens that divide, provoking mixed reactions both domestically and abroad.
Bypassing maneuvers
Attempts to legalize through parliament were blocked: opposition parties, including PP and Junts, were sharply against it. As the initiative could not pass through Congress, the government decided to seize the opportunity to amend the regulations of the Foreigners Law by means of a royal decree. This mechanism allows bypassing a parliamentary vote and speeds up the process, which is especially important given the current political instability.
At the moment, this is not about a detailed reform, but about launching an urgent procedure that will allow applications to start being reviewed in the near future. This decision came as a response to the prolonged blockage of the initiative, which had support from various social organizations and left-wing parties, but never gained the approval of the majority of deputies.
Backdrop of scandals
This whole story unfolds against the backdrop of other major events in Spanish politics. Earlier this year, the government reached important agreements with ERC and PNV, ensuring stability in Catalonia and the Basque Country. However, relations with Junts remain tense despite Pedro Sánchez’s attempts to establish dialogue. At the same time, PSOE continues to face scandals related to corruption and accusations of sexual harassment, further increasing pressure on the government.
In a situation where every parliamentary vote is decisive, the authorities are forced to compromise and seek unconventional solutions. The agreement with Podemos on migration is just one example of how political rivalry influences decisions that shape the country’s future.
Unforeseen consequences
The emergency legalization of migrants could lead to a wide range of outcomes. On the one hand, it offers thousands of people a chance to step out of the shadows and obtain legal status. On the other, the decision has already drawn sharp criticism from the opposition and sparked new debates about the future of Spain’s migration policy. In the coming months, the country may face fresh challenges tied to how this decision is implemented and perceived by society.
It remains unclear whether the government will be able to maintain a delicate balance of interests and avoid new political upheavals. But one thing is already clear: Spain has chosen its own path, which may become a model for others—or, on the contrary, trigger new internal conflicts.
