Alberto Núñez Feijóo traveled to Formentera—now he'll know something about triple insularity—to explain the PP's immigration policy proposal. In theory. In practice, he focused on adopting a euphemistic version of Vox's rhetoric.
Immigration is a problem as complex to resolve as housing, with the difference that the latter directly affects citizens. Especially young people. And, if there's no way to solve it, the strategy may be to distract with the former. Especially young people.
The PP president said that "immigration should preferably be more culturally proximate" and that "Hispanic identity is about sharing social, linguistic, and behavioral ties." A watered-down version of the "no Moors, no Blacks, and yes Latinos" sentiment, which is easier to discern on the far right. Because Vox doesn't disguise it and hurl the "they rape our women" message, just as it raises the ridiculousness of false accusations of gender-based violence.
Ayuso, increasingly Trump-like, even visited evangelical churches during the campaign, aware of the importance of the Latin American vote. We pray the same thing, she once said. Because the focus isn't on the conditions in which immigrants live, or whether or not they rape the wives of decent Spaniards, but on fishing in a sea increasingly full of votes.
The PP has a problem with the youth vote, capitalized on by Vox with demagoguery and misinformation through social media. And the way to capture it shouldn't be by stooping to their level. We expect greater social responsibility, moderation, and fewer fireworks from the largest opposition party.
The immigration debate must be approached with analysis, calm, and realistic plans. In short, with an immigration policy that balances the benefits for Spanish society and for those arriving from abroad. Both are undeniable.
The left's vision has its flaws—the legal limbo of migrants or the overwhelming situation of Immigration Affairs—but it should be complemented with realistic ideas. Not with the worst possible populism, the kind that never speaks about the abuses of employers who hire illegally. Because for populism, unfortunately, for inciting hatred and spreading fables, we already have Vox. And Ayuso, which amounts to the same thing.
