The dilemma of the registration
In Catalonia, the debate on the registration is at a critical moment, with several municipalities that challenge state regulations on behalf of local management. The mayors of the party together have decided not to register those who do not meet certain conditions, such as the verification of their legal or housing situation.
Defense of the mayors
Jordi Turull, Secretary General of Junts, has expressed his support for mayors implementing filters for the registration. Turull argues that accepting demands for registration for people who claim to live in precarious situations, such as ‘in a river’, is a form of dehumanization. For him, the record must reflect a standard of dignified life, beyond simple statements.
Martorell as an exemplifying case
A paradigmatic example is Martorell, a municipality with about 30,000 residents. Its mayor, Xavier Fonollosa, has rejected registration, saying that “a crime cannot be born rights”. This position has generated controversy, with neighbors and social organizations, fileing a lawsuit against the City Council.
Reactions and consequences
Entities such as the mortgage affected platform have raised their voices against this policy, arguing that restricting registration can violate fundamental rights such as access to health and education. They also express concerns about the social exclusion that may arise from these practices.
A widespread trend
The problem is not limited to Martorell; Cities like Lleida and Llagostera have taken similar measures. Some local authorities have begun to require previous interviews or have extended the registration process through inspections, although the law requires that anyone who can prove to be shown to reside in a home.
Proposals for change
In response to this controversy, Junts is working on a legislative initiative to reform the registration system. This proposal seeks to link the registry to rooting criteria and minimum conditions of habitability. Party leaders expect to submit this proposal to Congress before the summer, as part of a pact with the PSOE.
The rejection of other parties
Parties like Podemos and Sumar have stated that they will not support this reform unless it includes the regularization of migrants. Turull defended the position of Together, rejecting any accusation of blackmail and reiterating that the party’s goal is to promote real integration.
Political context
The strategy of Together in this issue is also part of a context of competition with Catalan alliance, which has been influential in the current political debate in Catalonia. The situation of the registration has highlighted the ideological tensions that mark the Catalan political scene.
As discussions on registration continue, it is clear that the decisions made now will have significant repercussions for Catalan society in the future, both in terms of individual rights and social cohesion.