The Government places a national police officer at the head of the General Directorate of Immigration

PalmThe Catalan government announced this Tuesday that National Police Deputy Inspector Manuel Pavón will be the new Director General of Immigration and Development Cooperation, replacing Catalina Albertí. This appointment is part of the executive reshuffle, which moved this area from the Ministry of Families and Social Affairs to the Presidency, with Antònia Estarellas at its helm—Estarellas has a more forceful stance on migration issues. Government spokesperson Antoni Costa denied that Pavón's appointment would entail a tightening of regional migration policy and emphasized that he is a specialist in the field and the most suitable person to head this directorate general. Costa also asserted that the deputy inspector's appointment was not negotiated with Vox.

"The message the government wants to convey is that they are a specialist and the most suitable person. This government has always been totally against illegal immigration, and it is a problem we have on the table," Costa said, noting that regional powers are only in matters of integration, as control is the responsibility of the government. Regarding Vox, the spokesperson stressed that "the government's appointments are made by the ministers and the president." "Vox or anyone else has not been consulted," he added, despite the fact that the agreement with the far-right to appoint Marga Prohens did include references to the immigration issue. "Even if we hadn't signed any pact with Vox, the government's position has been the same for a long time," Costa insisted, reiterating that the government does not want to accept migrant minors from other autonomous communities. "It's not a question of solidarity, but of capacity," he reiterated.

The spokesperson described it as "insulting" that "the Spanish government does not recognize that there is a consolidated route between North Africa and the Balearic Islands." "Immigration must be controlled, orderly, and sustainable. Uncontrolled immigration can lead to problems of coexistence, and we do not want any of that to happen," he continued, referring to the attacks on migrants that have occurred in Torre Pacheco (Murcia). "Those who have the powers must take measures to prevent the situation in the Canary Islands from happening again," he added, also asking the public to remain "calm and peaceful."

In addition to being a deputy inspector of the National Police, Manuel Pavón (Madrid, 1981) was also general secretary of the Unified Police Union (SUP). The Government highlighted his professional experience in immigration, borders, citizen security, and citizen services in a statement. "His profile stands out for his solid training in social education, with a diploma and a degree from the UNED (National University of Madrid)," the Executive says, also highlighting that Pavón is currently studying law. "Furthermore, he holds a Master's degree in Occupational Risk Prevention and qualifications as a senior technician in Security, Hygiene, Ergonomics, and Psychosociology. He has completed this training with a degree in Security Management Expert and multiple accreditations in private security, including training in border regulations and port security," his CV concludes.