Spain's Congress Approves Restoration of Nationality to Sahrawis
In a significant political move, the Spanish Congress has approved a bill that allows Sahrawis born when Western Sahara was under Spanish administration to reclaim their Spanish nationality. This initiative, which could potentially benefit around 80,000 individuals, was passed despite the abstention of the Popular Party (PP) and Junts, and opposition from Vox, with all other parties supporting the measure. The Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), along with Sumar and their usual parliamentary allies, ensured a favorable vote, signaling a shift in Spain's policy regarding the long-disputed territory.
The initiative will now advance to the Senate, where the PP has indicated it will propose amendments. Once these changes are made, the legislation will return to the lower house for a final vote. The bill establishes that exceptional circumstances warrant the granting of nationality by naturalization to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara before September 29, 1977, even if they do not legally reside in Spain. To verify their eligibility, applicants can submit various documents, including expired Spanish ID cards, census registration receipts for the referendum authenticated by the United Nations, birth certificates, or other documentation issued by Spanish authorities.
Political Reactions and Implications
Direct descendants of those who obtain nationality will have a five-year window to apply as well. Furthermore, the legislation amends the Civil Code, allowing Sahrawis to acquire nationality after just two years of legal residence in Spain, aligning them with nationals from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal, who enjoy this shorter residency requirement compared to the ten years required for other foreign nationals.
The discussions surrounding this bill were marked by criticism from the PP, with Pedro Muñoz questioning Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's shift in policy towards Western Sahara, alleging that it has not improved relations with Morocco. On the other hand, Vox's Ignacio Hoces defended their opposition, arguing that recognizing historical injustices should not lead to further errors such as granting nationality, which he termed as the most precious bond one can have with a homeland.
However, supporters of the bill, including Socialist representative Artemi Rallo, argued that the decision made in a sovereign chamber aims to restore rights rather than merely grant them. Enrique Santiago, from Sumar and a key proponent of the proposal, expressed gratitude for the collective effort from parliamentary partners while condemning Vox's stance as subservient to Moroccan interests. Meanwhile, Sahrawi representative Tesh Sidi shared the legal limbo faced by the Sahrawi people and emphasized the importance of restoring their nationality.
Francesc-Marc Álvaro Vidal from ERC highlighted that Sahrawis aspire to be a recognized, free people rather than merely Spanish citizens. Josep Bagès of Junts per Catalunya accused the PSOE of tactical maneuvers, while Jon Iñarritu from EH Bildu and Mikel Legarda from the PNV called for the correction of previous governmental positions on the Sahara. Martina Velarde of Podemos noted that this initiative had been previously introduced by Unidas Podemos, and Néstor Rego from BNG deemed the decision necessary, albeit insufficient.
On this momentous day, Boucharaya Bahi, representing Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, called it a historic moment for his compatriots, marking years of struggle to reclaim fundamental rights. He expressed joy at this success, while acknowledging that it is merely a step towards addressing the long-standing grievances faced by the Sahrawi people, who have endured significant suffering over the past 50 years. Bahi stressed that regaining Spanish nationality is a crucial step towards achieving peace and stability in their territory.
The debate surrounding this legislation arose shortly after the Supreme Court temporarily suspended the voting rights of certain nationalized citizens under the 'Grandchildren's Law,' raising questions about the government's nationality granting policies. This discussion also coincides with a delicate period in Spain-Morocco relations following the irregular entry of over 70,000 individuals into Ceuta in late July, a crisis attributed to Morocco by most parties, except the PSOE. Morocco continues to assert its claim over the entire territory of Western Sahara and has expressed opposition to the processing of this new legislation.
As reported by rtve.es.
