Catalonia political discourse shifts on immigration over the decade

Political discourse regarding immigration in Catalonia and Spain has undergone a significant shift over the last decade. In 2017, large-scale demonstrations were held in Barcelona under slogans such as “Volem acollir” (We want to welcome) and “No més morts, obrim fronteres” (No more deaths, open borders), reflecting a strong public and political commitment to hosting refugees, particularly those fleeing the Syrian war.

At that time, major political figures from parties including Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya (CDC), Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), and the Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya (PSC) expressed readiness to support and coordinate the arrival of migrants. Even within the People's Party (PP), there were voices advocating for humanitarian aid.

In contrast to the openness seen during the height of the refugee crisis, current political rhetoric has moved toward emphasizing the need for limits on immigration, particularly amidst ongoing tensions regarding border management in regions like Ceuta.