Feb 19 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Salvador Illa and knowing what to do

The urgent need to prevent a new budget extension is highlighted alongside rising anti-immigrant sentiments in Catalonia amid the electoral embrace of far-right parties throughout Europe.

The article discusses the growing urgency to avoid a new budget extension in Catalonia, emphasizing that the area is experiencing increasing anti-immigration sentiments, particularly in light of recent polling data from the Institut de Ciències Polítiques i Socials (ICPS). This data reveals that almost two-thirds of respondents support limiting immigration. This mirrors a broader trend across Europe where far-right parties are capitalizing on similar sentiments to gain electoral success.

Notably, the dissatisfaction with immigration policies is not new for Catalonia; however, the recent resurgence of these feelings is particularly troubling as it aligns with the electoral strategies of far-right parties, especially Vox. The recent elections in Extremadura, where Vox significantly increased its share of the vote, serve as a testament to the effectiveness of their anti-immigration agenda. The party's positioning against the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the People's Party (PP) for their alleged failures in controlling immigration is being echoed across various regions in Spain, including Catalonia.

The implications of this trend could be significant for both local governance and national politics in Spain. As the far-right gains traction by harnessing public sentiment against immigration, traditional parties may need to reevaluate their policies to remain competitive. Furthermore, the ongoing political debates surrounding budget extensions and immigration are likely to shape the region's political landscape in the upcoming elections, making it imperative for leaders like Salvador Illa to navigate these sensitive issues carefully to maintain public support and prevent polarization.

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