Extremadura officials dispute migrant minor capacity claims

The regional government of Extremadura has disputed claims made by the Minister of Youth and Childhood, Sira Rego, regarding the availability of accommodation for migrant minors. While Rego stated in Mérida that only about one-third of the region's capacity is occupied and that more children from Ceuta would be transferred to the area, regional officials have countered these assertions.

Eliseo Fernández, the Director General of Social Services, Childhood, and Family, described the Minister's statements as “completely unfortunate, mistaken, and false,” accusing her of “lying blatantly” about the community's capacity. Fernández clarified that the regional protection system is “at its limit” and noted a discrepancy between the central government's figures and actual available resources. Although a royal decree set the ordinary capacity for migrant minors in Extremadura at 364 places, regional authorities maintain that the actual number of available spots is significantly lower, with only 14 vacancies remaining.