The Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, is hopeful that the Popular Party (PP) will support the proposed reform of the Immigration Law during the Congress of Deputies plenary session scheduled for Tuesday. This reform aims to mandate the reception of unaccompanied migrant minors by all autonomous communities.
In remarks made to the media, Torres stated that the proposal, jointly submitted by the government of Spain and the Canary Islands, is strictly defined and should not be altered in any way. He emphasized that if the PP votes against it, they would be acting against the interests of the Canary Islands government, of which they are a part, which he described as “absolutely incongruent.”
Torres further explained that if the PP wishes to propose amendments, they cannot be included in the discussion on Tuesday. However, he invited the party to suggest changes during the parliamentary process. He noted that if the PP genuinely wants to improve the text, it would be sensible and logical for them to support the proposal at this stage.
Over the weekend, Torres communicated in writing with the PP spokesperson in Congress, Miguel Tellado, expressing a willingness to consider some of the party’s suggestions, as long as they do not aim to transform the proposal into a new bill, which could prolong the process by nearly a year. He also made it clear that suggestions to relocate minors of uncertain age to other communities, as well as calls for a Conference of Presidents, would not be included in the current proposal.
The minister extended an invitation to the PP and other political groups to support the consideration of the proposal on Tuesday. He cautioned that if the proposal fails to pass, those voting against it will bear the responsibility for that outcome. Torres described this initiative as a unique and historic solution that has the potential to enhance solidarity among all Spanish communities, relieving the pressures currently faced by the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.
In addition, Torres refuted claims that the Socialist Party believes they do not need PP support to advance the proposal due to backing from coalition partners like Junts. He clarified that the proposal from Junts, which seeks to exempt Catalonia from the obligation to receive minors, is not compatible with the national scope of the law.
Torres stressed the importance of garnering as much parliamentary support as possible, reiterating that the distribution of individuals among regions primarily governed by the PP is a matter of national significance. He expressed the notion that excuses should be left aside.
Moreover, he dismissed the idea of the government resorting to a decree law if the proposal does not succeed, as any action would also require parliamentary validation. Regardless of the method chosen—whether a decree, a bill, or a legislative proposal—majority support in Congress will be essential.
Ultimately, Torres underscored that the upcoming vote is pivotal in addressing the dire situation of children and adolescents currently “crowded” in regions like the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla, emphasizing that these minors have a right to education and proper formation. He called on opposition parties, especially the PP, to focus on the crucial issues affecting people’s lives, warning that voting against this legislation would infringe upon the rights of these vulnerable children.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/agencias/2024/07/22/torres-confia-que-el-pp-apoye-la-reforma-de-la-ley-de-extranjeria-votar-no-seria-absolutamente-incongruente/
