Esquerra sets the most vulnerable at the centre of policy so they are not left behind in the current coronavirus crisis

Ensuring the rights of all citizens, without exception, is the priority of Esquerra Republicana. In difficult times such as these, in the midst of a health crisis, but also an economic and social one, the party has put in place a series of measures to protect and regularize migrants. That is, regularizing “from the point of view of dignity and recognition of human rights, so that inequalities do not increase and the most vulnerable do not end up paying for the crisis as always.”

In addition, Esquerra will continue to seek repeal of the Ley de Extranjería or Aliens Act, which criminalizes migrants and violates several international conventions. According to Catalonia’s Foreign Minister Bernat Solé: “neither COVID-19 nor any other crisis can leave out the most vulnerable. Dignity and human rights understand neither origin, nor language, nor the colour of people’s skin. Repeal the Aliens Act now.” In this regard, the president of the Esquerra group in the Parliament of Catalonia, Sergi Sabrià, also called for “repeal of the Aliens Act and regularization of migrants, immediate and definitive, for dignity and recognition of human rights. Everyone must have work permits and social security,” said Mr Sabrià.

Dignity and human rights understand neither origin, nor language, nor the colour of people’s skin

Bernat Solé Catalonia's Foreign Minister

Meanwhile, the Member of the Spanish Congress in Madrid, Maria Dantas, said that the party would promote an initiative in the parliament to request regularization and full rights for migrants: “We will bring parliamentary initiatives to the Congress because we have had enough with administrative irregularity! No one should be illegal.” The initiative is also backed by Senators Ana Surra and Robert Masih. “Enough with institutional racism, which is reflected in discriminatory acts such as limiting access to social rights: registration, health, work, housing, education and the exercise of full citizenship with the right to vote,” added Ms Dantes.

In this regard, the member of the Catalan Parliament, Ruben Wagensberg, has called the Spanish government to prove that they will not leave anyone behind: “The Government says that it is ‘not going to leave anyone behind.’ To guarantee that, everyone needs work permits and social security. Everyone needs to be able to realize their potential and nobody must be left behind by the administration. Rights and duties: the same for everyone,” said Mr Wagensberg. Esquerra’s youth branch member of Congress, Marta Rosique said: “We require regularization with work permits for migrants. Have they not repeatedly said that no one is going to be left behind? Well, prove it.”