Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, has boldly addressed the issue of migration, presenting a perspective that sets him apart from many of his European colleagues. In a recent parliamentary address, he made it clear that Spain must view migration as a critical pathway to prosperity, stating, “Spain needs to choose between being an open and prosperous country or a closed-off, poor country. It’s as simple as that.”
Sánchez emphasized that migration is not merely a humanitarian issue, but a vital strategy to strengthen the economy and safeguard the welfare state, particularly in a nation facing one of the lowest birth rates in the EU. “Throughout history, migration has been one of the great drivers of the development of nations,” he said, adding, “The key is in managing it well.”
This outlook emerges as many European nations are tightening their immigration policies in response to the rising influence of far-right movements. For example, Germany has reinstated border checks due to security concerns, while Italy faces scrutiny for its agreements with North African leaders aimed at limiting migrant arrivals. Additionally, Sweden and Finland have recently implemented new anti-immigration measures.
In contrast, Sánchez outlined a forward-thinking vision for Spain, proposing new initiatives to help integrate migrants into the labor market and improve the residency application process. “Almost half of our municipalities are at risk of depopulation,” he pointed out, stressing the urgent demand for labor, especially in caregiving and skilled professions.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has highlighted Spain as a model for how immigration can stimulate economic growth, citing the country as the fastest-growing economy in the EU. Despite this, domestic far-right and conservative groups have attempted to associate immigration with crime, exacerbating public fears.
Sánchez expressed appreciation for the compassion shown by the people of the Canary Islands toward an influx of migrants arriving via one of the world’s deadliest routes. He drew on Spain’s historical experiences, stressing the importance of empathy: “We have to remember the odysseys of our mothers and fathers… and understand that our duty now is to be that welcoming, tolerant society that they would have liked to find.”
He described the present situation as a “moral debt” not only to those who came before us but also to secure a thriving future. “We Spaniards are children of emigration,” he asserted. “We are not going to be the parents of xenophobia.”
Sánchez also called on Spaniards to confront stereotypes and misinformation regarding migration. He presented data indicating that over the past decade, 94% of migrants arrived in Spain legally, with a significant number hailing from Latin America, Europe, and Africa. He argued that migrants are more likely to be employed than native Spaniards and use social services less frequently, countering negative myths about their economic impact.
“This is not a battle between Spaniards and foreigners,” Sánchez emphasized, stressing that the true conflict lies between truth and falsehood. He acknowledged past criticisms of his government’s migration policies, particularly regarding the externalization of border control to Morocco. Following recent tragic events, he reaffirmed the necessity of effectively managing migration and expressed his commitment to advocating for a more equitable distribution of migrants and asylum seekers across Europe.
Sánchez’s vision seeks to position Spain as a symbol of openness and economic vitality in an increasingly polarized European landscape.
