France’s Far‑Right Pushes for New Border Rules, Blames Spain

The National Rally has pledged to reintroduce strict border controls if it wins the upcoming French election. Its leader warned that Spain’s plan to regularise undocumented migrants could open a pathway for more people to enter Europe.

The speech was delivered in Porto, Portugal, at an event hosted by the European Parliament group Patriots for Europe.

Key Points from the Speech

• Spain’s Fast‑Track Residency Scheme
• Aims to grant legal status to migrants who entered before 2025 and have lived in Spain for five continuous months.

• The Spanish government estimates the policy could bring up to 500,000 new workers and boost the economy.

• Accusations Against Spain
• The French leader accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of turning Spain into a “gateway for migration.”
• Sánchez, a Socialist Party member, denied the claim, stating the policy simply acknowledges rights of those already living in Spain and mirrors past programs.

• Potential Impact on Europe
• If elected, the National Rally would re‑implement border controls and restrict free movement to EU citizens only.
• The party’s stance ties into broader debates on energy independence, territorial integrity, and Europe’s future.

Additional Perspectives

• Portugal’s Far‑Right Voice
• André Ventura joined the event, echoing concerns that Spain’s residency permits might be a political ploy to win votes.

• He noted that only Spanish citizens can vote in national elections; migrants with residency do not automatically gain citizenship or voting rights.

• Tension Between Sovereignty and Cooperation
• Leaders from various countries weighed in on how best to manage migration while protecting borders, highlighting the delicate balance between national sovereignty and European cooperation.