PSOE backs Sahrawi citizenship bill despite Morocco

Spain’s Socialists say they will back a bill to give Spanish citizenship to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, despite Morocco’s view of the measure. Patxi López, the PSOE’s spokesman in Congress, made the pledge in Madrid. In two days, the full chamber is due to vote on the Justice Committee’s report before sending the bill to the Senate.

The vote comes during a migration crisis in Ceuta. López rejected reports that his party might change course, saying the PSOE and the government make policy independently.

The bill was introduced by Sumar. The PSOE initially voted against allowing it to proceed, while the People’s Party, or PP, supported it. The Socialists switched to backing it after agreeing the wording with Sumar.

On 23 July, the Justice Committee approved the text with the support of the government’s allies. Vox voted against it, challenging the whole process, while the PP and Junts abstained.

López called citizenship for Sahrawis a “historic reparation” and urged the PP to support the bill in the full chamber. He said recognition had been granted 50 years ago, but those affected had not been able to exercise it.

Topics: Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com