Spain's Immigration Power Transfer to Catalonia Sparks Controversy and Political Tensions

In a move that has ignited fierce debate and opposition, the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has agreed to transfer control over immigration and border management to the Catalan regional government. This landmark deal, announced on March 3, 2025, is part of a broader agreement between Sánchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) and the pro-independence group Junts per Catalunya.

The Agreement

Under the terms of the agreement, Catalonia's regional police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, will assume authority over airports, ports, and other critical infrastructure, working in coordination with Spain's national armed forces. The Catalan government will also take on responsibilities for migration policy, including the processing and enforcement of deportations, the administration of Foreign Internment Centers (CIE), and the management of residence and work permits[2][4].

Political Backlash

The deal has been met with strong criticism from various quarters. Ione Belarra, the leader of the left-wing party Podemos, has announced that her party will veto the transfer, citing concerns over the PSOE's pact with Junts, which she describes as "an anti-immigration party that competes with the Catalan far right." Belarra emphasized that Podemos' priority is the approval of the regularization of foreigners who were in Spanish territory before November 1, 2021, rather than supporting this agreement[1].

The conservative People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox have also vehemently opposed the deal. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo labeled the transfer as "an unprecedented humiliation" for Spain, accusing Sánchez of being controlled by the independence movement. Vox described the agreement as a "criminal pact" and a "death sentence" for the National Police and the Civil Guard[1][2].

Constitutional Justification

The Spanish government has justified the transfer under Article 150.2 of the Spanish Constitution, which allows for the delegation of state powers to autonomous communities. However, critics argue that this move undermines national security and the central government's authority, potentially setting a precedent for other regions with separatist aspirations, such as the Basque Country[2][4].

Internal Crisis in Junts

The agreement comes at a time when Junts per Catalunya is facing internal turmoil. Carles Puigdemont's leadership has been challenged by a group of activists who have resigned, citing a lack of transparency and internal democracy within the party. This crisis highlights the ongoing tensions within Junts and the broader Catalan independence movement[3].

Broader Implications

The transfer of immigration powers is seen as a significant victory for Catalonia's separatist movement but has raised concerns about the future balance of power in Spain. It reinforces a trend where separatists achieve through political agreements what they failed to obtain after the illegal independence referendum in 2017. Catalonia has already secured significant concessions, including a €17 billion debt write-off and the delegation of tax collection[2][4].

Parliamentary Approval

The proposal has been filed as a draft bill in the Spanish Parliament and will require approval. The Spanish government has invited all parliamentary groups to engage in dialogue and make contributions to the bill, emphasizing that human rights and a positive vision of immigration are central to the proposal[1].

As the debate continues, the fate of this landmark agreement hangs in the balance, reflecting the complex and often contentious nature of Spanish politics, particularly in the context of Catalonia's push for greater autonomy.