Abascal incites the Spanish to "start defending themselves" against immigration

Vox president Santiago Abascal said on Wednesday that the government is “promoting an invasion” of migrants in Spain “with the help of the Popular Party” and suggested that Spaniards have to “start defending themselves” against immigration.

“Spaniards are going to have to start defending themselves. But for real. Because the governments (that of Moncloa and that of the autonomous regions) have directly betrayed them, swindled them and sold them out,” said the leader of the far-right party in a message from X, without calling for any specific demonstration or mobilization of his electorate.

“They are promoting an invasion. They do it hand in hand with the Popular Party and all their international masters. From Ursula to Kemala,” he added, referring to the policies of the president of the European Commission and the Democratic candidate in the US elections, Kamala Harris.

The far-right leader’s statements came after the president of the Executive, Pedro Sánchez, who is currently on an official trip to Mauritania, Senegal and Gambia, said last night that migration is not a problem, but “a necessity that entails certain problems.” Sánchez also insisted that it is “fundamental” for the Spanish economy.

Sánchez has signed memoranda with Mauritania and Gambia to establish mechanisms for the legal entry of migrants into Spain. Hours after his words, this morning, the leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, also accused the Government of “encouraging a call effect” of migrants. The popular leader criticises Sánchez for “promoting Spain as a destination” instead of “going to Africa to fight the mafias”, also in a message published on his X profile. “The opposite of the rest of the EU. Whoever comes, a contract at the country of origin and a letter of compliance with our laws”, he adds.

In Mauritania, Prime Minister Sánchez called for managing migration in a way that is beneficial for societies and combating human trafficking mafias. He signed a memorandum with the country to promote circular migration – temporary hiring of workers in specific sectors – and strengthen cooperation in security and the fight against organised crime, contrary to what both right-wing leaders suggest in their messages.