The so-called Algerian Mediterranean route, through which more than 4,300 people have reached the Balearic Islands to date (three times as many as just four years ago), has been consolidated largely as a result of the diplomatic conflict between Spain and Algeria, following the shift in Spanish government policy toward Western Sahara (explicit support for Morocco's autonomy plan). This led Algeria to break the friendship treaty with Spain in 2022, after recalling the Spanish ambassador for consultations.
This has significantly contributed to the increase in human trafficking on this illegal immigration route, which is also one of the most dangerous routes across the Mediterranean. European legislation is largely to blame for its consolidation, and for the very existence of these routes, as we heard Margalida Capellà Roig, professor of international law, EU law, and human rights at the UIB and spokesperson for the Balearic NGO Acollim, explain on Catalunya Ràdio. Capellà does not hesitate to describe European legislation as "racist," open to granting entry visas to immigrants from different parts of the world, such as Latin Americans, but closed when it comes to African countries. Hence—and, looking further back, the effects of European colonization and decolonization in Africa—the increase in boat arrivals of people from sub-Saharan countries. A Europe today that is fearful and politically disjointed, easy prey for the extreme right and its pressure, which is also increasing. A Europe that oppresses Black people and the poor, the eternally oppressed, the most vulnerable.
As Professor Capellà also warns, the other urgent aspect of the problem is that boat arrivals are increasing, but the resources to manage them are not, and this is putting the Balearic Islands under pressure, as was the case years ago with the Canary Islands. The islands are islands, which means they are limited by definition, both in terms of territory and capacity, services, infrastructure, etc.
This evidence, however, should not be used by President Marga Prohens to fuel a demagogic discourse seeking to exploit an issue essential to the future of the Balearic Islands, such as immigration, to confront the Spanish government and thus contribute to the PP's war to overthrow it. In other words, Prohens's role is merely servile, and, in the same situation, if the PP were governing Madrid, the president herself would deliver a completely different discourse. Furthermore, Prohens's demagoguery is even more evident when she herself, and her Vox-controlled PP government, legislate to ignore these limitations of the Balearic Islands and give free rein to building and urbanizing them from top to bottom, without control or measure. Immigration policies must be agreed upon with everyone except, precisely, the far right. Whoever that may be.
