The Spanish Congress has rejected a proposed law that would have transferred immigration powers to Catalonia's regional government, dealing a significant blow to one of the key agreements between the Socialist Party (PSOE) and Junts at the start of the current legislature. The vote on Tuesday saw 177 votes against and 173 in favor, with the opposition coming from an unusual coalition that included both right-wing and left-wing parties.
The rejection was primarily driven by Podem's decision to vote against the measure, aligning with the conservative Popular Party (PP), far-right Vox, UPN, and Compromís deputy Alberto Ibáñez. This cross-ideological opposition created an unexpected alliance that ultimately blocked the legislation. The PSOE and Junts immediately criticized Podem, accusing the party of playing into the hands of the far-right by maintaining immigration powers at the state level.
The parliamentary debate preceding the vote featured sharp exchanges between political leaders. PSOE deputy José Zaragoza defended the initiative as "fully constitutional" and argued it would increase efficiency while reducing bureaucratic duplication. Junts spokesperson Míriam Nogueras accused Podem of being "anti-Catalan and centralist" and warned that vetoing the delegation would "open the door to collapse, extreme populisms, and the destruction of the welfare state in Catalonia."
Despite the setback, the Socialists have indicated they will continue dialogue with political groups to push the initiative forward at a more opportune moment. They plan to salvage parts of the legislation that don't require parliamentary approval and can be implemented by decree. The failed vote represents a significant obstacle in the fragile parliamentary arithmetic that sustains Spain's current government coalition.
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