Government increases funding for Cáritas amid conflict with right-wing parties. Spanish authorities have allocated €13.3 million to Cáritas until 2029. The decision comes amid pressure from right-wing parties and debates over support for migrants. The issue has sparked a strong reaction in the regions.
A new round of debate over support for migrants and the role of church organizations has erupted in Spain. The Ministry of Finance has signed an agreement with Cáritas in Extremadura for €13.3 million through 2029. This measure comes in response to increasing pressure from right-wing parties, who are demanding restrictions on state funding for organizations that help undocumented foreigners.
Money and politics
The agreement was signed in Cáceres with the participation of Finance Minister Arcadi España, head of Loterías y Apuestas del Estado Jesús Huerta, and president of Cáritas Manuel Bretón. The funding is set for four years, with the organization receiving €3.3 million in 2026. The funds will come from the state lottery, underscoring symbolic support from the government.
The authorities emphasized that Cáritas would continue to receive support, despite attempts by certain regions governed by PP and Vox to revise the approach to subsidy distribution. For the first time in Extremadura, the principle of 'national priority' in access to social support was established, and the agreement between PP and Vox directly calls for an end to funding NGOs associated with supporting illegal migrants.
Party reactions and consequences
Vox insists that Cáritas should be excluded from receiving state funding if the organization assists undocumented migrants. At the same time, PP representatives claim that the agreement will not affect organizations like Cáritas as long as their activities are aimed at helping those in need in general. According to Cáritas, in 2024 the organization has provided support to nearly 1.2 million people, of whom about 550,000 are migrants without legal status. Most of the Cáritas budget is funded by private donations, but government funds remain an important part of its financing.
Context and the Pope’s Visit
The situation has been exacerbated by the upcoming visit of Pope León XIV to Spain, where migration will be one of the main topics. The Pontiff previously warned Spanish bishops of the risks of politicizing the Church and of attempts by the far right to use religious structures to mobilize voters. During his visit, León XIV plans to address the Congress and visit the Canary Islands, which host a large migrant population.
After signing the agreement, the finance minister visited the Cáritas social cooperative, which collects and recycles clothing for people in difficult life situations. This project provides jobs to those on the verge of social isolation.
Regions and New Rules
In a number of regions where the PP and Vox have formed coalitions, changes in the allocation of subsidies for NGOs have already begun. In Extremadura, Vox has taken control of the social affairs department, which includes work with underage migrants. The agreement between the parties emphasizes that support will not be provided to organizations that directly or indirectly promote illegal migration.
The issue of funding for Cáritas and other church structures has become the subject of heated debate not only in regional parliaments, but also at the federal level. As RUSSPAIN notes, similar disputes over access to state resources and codes of conduct have already arisen in Congress, where measures to restrict accreditation for journalists were recently discussed (details on the parliamentary debates).
In the coming months, support for Cáritas and other NGOs working with migrants is expected to remain at the center of the political agenda, particularly in light of the Pope's visit and ongoing changes in regional politics.
