Spanish government nears deal with Junts on migration powers transfer

A pact transferring migration powers from the Spanish government to the Catalan government appears imminent, with sources indicating the deal could be finalized before Monday.

The Spanish government confirmed this on Friday, with insiders stating that negotiations with the pro-independence party Junts are "intensifying."

Junts has long demanded the transfer of migration competencies from Spain to Catalonia, tying its support for the Spanish government in Congress to this issue.

If a deal is reached, it could pave the way for Pedro Sánchez's administration to secure approval for Spain's general budget for 2027.

In an informal conversation with journalists, Sánchez acknowledged that discussions with Junts are ongoing but emphasized the need for "discretion."

"We will explain it when there is an agreement," he said. Meanwhile, Salvador Illa, president of the Catalan government, expressed optimism, saying he is "confident that things will go well."

The Spanish government recognizes that the dialogue "cannot be eternal" and that concrete steps must soon follow to follow the agreements.

While executive sources have not yet detailed how the agreement will be implemented, they assure it will rest on a "solid foundation," fully align with the Constitution, and respect international treaties.