A hot topic in the Assembly of Madrid
Immigration has become the epicentre of political debate in the Community of Madrid, especially as regional elections approach. The regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, is facing increasing pressure from parties such as Vox, Más Madrid, and the PSOE, who have intensified their criticism of her management in this area.
In recent weeks, the Assembly has witnessed a heated exchange between the different political groups. Vox has led the accusations against Ayuso, demanding that she prioritise Spanish citizens in access to public services such as healthcare. Isabel Pérez Moñino, spokesperson for Vox, openly questioned the recent mass regularisation of immigrants approved by the central Government. "What does Sánchez's mass regularisation matter to you?" Moñino inquired, suggesting that this measure could negatively affect Spaniards trapped in long waiting lists for medical care.
In response to these criticisms, Ayuso defended her approach based on "law and order." She stated that her administration is committed to integration and that immigrants cannot be blamed for structural problems in the healthcare system. "You are treating immigrants like scum," Ayuso said referring to Vox. She also highlighted that any attempt to limit access to public services could be detrimental to all Madrilenians.
The debate was not limited to the exchange between Vox and Ayuso; it also included harsh criticisms from the PSOE. Mar Espinar, the socialist spokesperson, accused Ayuso of racism and classism for opposing the regularisation of immigrants. Espinar argued that many Spaniards have relatives who emigrated in search of better opportunities and questioned how it is possible for a government to ignore that reality.
However, it was Manuela Bergerot who raised the tone of the debate even further by labelling as "bad people" those who oppose the welfare of immigrants already established in Spain. In a provocative twist, she even suggested deporting the executives of the Ibex 35 responsible for perpetuating economic inequalities: "We need to deport the rich!" Bergerot exclaimed during her speech.
Ayuso concluded the debate by pointing out the absurdity of the accusations directed at her and her party. She questioned the motivations behind the PSOE's sudden support for mass regularisation just before crucial elections: "Is it not because they don’t even know how many people it will impact?" The president made it clear that her priority remains to protect the interests of all Madrilenians while navigating this complex political landscape.
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