The report discusses the contrasting views on immigration and border control policies in Spain, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Initially, there was an apparent shift towards a more progressive policy when Sánchez announced that Spain would open its ports to the Aquarius refugee ship and the Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, aimed to remove barbed wire from Ceuta and Melilla. However, these gestures were quickly contradicted by the government's continued use of hot returns and legal challenges against European Court of Human Rights rulings.
The author questions why seemingly progressive governments adopt policies similar to those of the right wing, suggesting it could be due to a need for symbolic balance, inability to change, lack of commitment, or the impossibility of a single government to push radically different policies within a divided European Union. The author then explores what a "radically different" policy might look like, focusing on addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.
This includes stopping the exploitation of Africa where capital outflows significantly outweigh investment and aid to development. The author also emphasizes the importance of applying strict legality, ensuring that rights such as representation, especially for minors and refugees, are respected, not just defended. Additionally, the creation of legal entry points is crucial, both for asylum seekers and immigrants looking to live and work in Spain.
The report argues that a radical policy should also question what happens beyond the borders of EU countries, which have outsourced their border control to neighboring countries at significant expense, raising concerns about the use of funds and human rights. Lastly, the report suggests that avoiding the rhetoric of extreme right-wing discourses could prevent an endless cycle of increased control and inadvertently legitimize their positions, potentially leading to more votes for them.
