The Spanish government has reached an agreement with Catalan separatists to redistribute around 4,000 unaccompanied migrant minors currently in the Canary Islands across Spain’s regions. The plan has raised eyebrows, however, as Madrid is set to receive over 700 minors, while Catalonia will take in only 20 to 30. The deal also includes financial compensation for regions that have previously taken in high numbers of migrants, including Catalonia.
Critics are arguing that prime minister Pedro Sánchez has once again caved to the demands of Catalan separatist party Junts and placed a heavier burden on other regions—all while giving Catalonia special treatment.
The centre-right opposition Partido Popular (PP) has criticised the decision, arguing that it reflects an inconsistent and politically driven approach to immigration. “The government has moved from trading laws to trading minors,” sources from the party said. They also warned that without sufficient financial support, PP-led regions would struggle to provide adequate care for the new arrivals.
VOX has been even more direct in its condemnation, with party secretary general Ignacio Garriga calling the agreement “gravísimo” (extremely serious) and a clear example of Junts using its political leverage to secure sectional privileges for Catalonia. Garriga also said the government’s decision fails to address the underlying causes of mass immigration to the Canary Islands. VOX leaders argued
Instead of tackling illegal immigration, the government rewards it by funnelling resources and privileges to its separatist allies.
Immigration is one of the most contentious issues in Spain. Just last year, Junts opposed an earlier immigration reform unless it included a clause granting Catalonia full control over immigration policy, a demand critics viewed as part of broader secessionist ambitions—the Spanish government later caved in to that demand.
The migration crisis in the Canary Islands, where last year alone over 48,000 arrivals overwhelmed reception centres, has made redistribution unavoidable. However, critics argue that the government’s handling of the process has deepened political tensions. Madrid’s regional government, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso of the PP, has voiced frustration over the allocation, pointing out that the capital is being required to take in a significantly higher number of minors while Catalonia faces a far lighter burden.
Despite repeated EU funding injections, questions remain about the effectiveness of Spain’s migration policies. While the country continues to receive financial support for managing migrant arrivals, critics contend that border enforcement remains weak and that the government has prioritised short-term political agreements over sustainable solutions. Meanwhile, Hungary, which has implemented stricter and more effective border controls, has been treated as a pariah.
The redistribution plan now faces scrutiny in Congress, but the votes of the separatist parties should be enough to get it ratified against the wishes of the PP and VOX.
