Junqueras sets limits on Catalan reception
ERC president Oriol Junqueras has told Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez that Catalonia cannot indefinitely accommodate unaccompanied migrant minors arriving via Ceuta. Speaking on Catalunya Ràdio and at a press conference on 31 August 2026, Junqueras insisted the Spanish government must act "quick and effective" to resolve the ongoing migratory situation in the North African enclave. He acknowledged Catalonia's willingness to help but stressed there are practical limits. "Neither Catalonia nor anyone can host infinitely," Junqueras said, pointing to shortages in housing, schools, energy, and water. He questioned whether 7.8 billion people could fit in any country, adding: "Everyone will think there is some limit."
The Spanish government must assume its responsibilities, not delegate them.
Junqueras criticised the central executive for failing to resolve the situation after a month, accusing it of neglect. He also challenged Morocco’s role, calling it "little credible" that Rabat was unaware of the movement of 70,000 people across the border, unlike Sánchez, who absolved the Moroccan government of responsibility.
Divisions within Catalan leadership
His stance contrasts with Generalitat president Salvador Illa, who pledged Catalonia would respond with "solidarity, responsibility, and rigor" to the humanitarian emergency. Illa defended the region’s reception capacity, though officials note Catalonia already hosts a higher ratio of unaccompanied minors than most autonomous communities. Junqueras’ position aligns with pro-independence party Junts, whose Madrid representative Miriam Nogueras warned Sánchez that taking in more minors would result in her parliamentary group voting against all state government initiatives in Congress.
Despite political differences, ERC reiterated its commitment to humanitarian principles, supporting the reception of vulnerable minors from Ceuta while demanding structural responsibility from Madrid and clearer EU-level coordination on migration policy.
Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by en.ara.cat, ARA, democrata.es, elmundo.es, europapress.es, elperiodico.com, eldebate.com, europapress.tv, larazon.es, El Nacional, Diari ARA.
