The leader of the Popular Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, opened a new political front this Tuesday with his proposal to withdraw Spanish nationality from those who, after obtaining it, commit serious crimes. Among the cases he wants to include, he cited membership in terrorist organizations or criminal gangs and recidivism in murders, sexual abuse, or rapes.
Feijóo confirmed that the PP is working on an organic law proposal to modify the Civil Code and regulate the granting, maintenance, and loss of nationality. The text has not yet been registered, and fundamental aspects such as specific crimes, required sentences, and the guarantees that will accompany the procedure are yet to be known.
"Nationality is the greatest act of trust a State can give," he defended during a visit to the Cañaveral 7 public housing development in Madrid, alongside the capital's mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. In his opinion, whoever receives a Spanish passport must maintain that trust throughout their life.
"When the person to whom we have granted nationality belongs to a criminal gang, a terrorist gang, or is a repeat offender in serious crimes, they must know that this trust is broken and that nationality will be withdrawn," he stated.
The popular leader also described nationality as an "honor" that allows access to public services and full participation in the country's coexistence. His future norm, he added, aims to end the "frivolity" with which naturalizations are sometimes granted and adapt Spanish legislation to that of other European countries.
The Constitution limits the scope of the reform
The proposal could only apply to Spaniards who do not have nationality of origin. Article 11.2 of the Constitution expressly establishes that no Spaniard of origin can be deprived of their nationality, a protection that marks the main legal limit of any reform.
Article 25 of the Civil Code already contemplates the loss of nationality for those who acquired it later, although it restricts it to very specific cases. These include the exclusive use for three years of the nationality that had been renounced or voluntary entry into the Armed Forces of another country against the express prohibition of the Government. A final judgment for fraud, falsehood, or concealment during the process can also annul the concession.
The PP's initiative would have to precisely define which convictions would allow for the withdrawal of nationality, how that decision would be processed, and what protection those affected would have. The announcement also comes amidst a full political dispute over nationalizations granted under the so-called 'grandchildren's law', whose beneficiaries can be considered Spaniards by origin and would be protected by the Constitution.
Feijóo took advantage of his appearance to once again criticize the management of the migratory crisis in Ceuta. Next Monday, he will travel for the fourth time to the autonomous city accompanied by the president of the European People's Party, Manfred Weber, and will demand that the European Union protect its southern border with the same firmness with which it defends the eastern border against the war in Ukraine.
He also reproached Pedro Sánchez for calling the actions of the Moroccan authorities "intelligent" during the entry of some 80,000 people at the end of July. For Feijóo, Spanish territorial integrity was violated, and the president showed an "indolence unworthy of a European prime minister".
The leader of the PP also defended the right of Judge María Tardón to keep the investigation into what happened in Ceuta confidential. According to him, the magistrate can reserve the information until the secrecy of the proceedings is lifted. He also assured that Juan Vivas "swept" Sánchez in the audiences of their respective television interviews this Monday.
Up to 26,000 euros in tax aid for young people
Feijóo also presented the main figures of the housing plan prepared by the PP together with its 14 regional governments. The proposal promises to promote one million homes during a legislature through land mobilization, public-private collaboration, a new land law, reduction of procedures, and greater guarantees for owners.
The package includes reductions of up to 60% in housing-related taxes, public guarantees that could cover between 95% and 100% of the price, and a so-called 'home piggy bank' aimed at facilitating savings for young people.
According to PP's calculations, a person with an average salary who started working at 25 and bought a house at 30 could receive between 21,000 and 26,000 euros in tax aid. For a home valued at 250,000 euros, they would need to contribute around 50,000 euros less at the time of signing. The party has not detailed all the conditions used to make that estimate during the appearance.
Feijóo maintains that the construction of one million homes would generate about 750,000 jobs. He also stated that Spain has a deficit of 750,000 homes, that purchase prices have increased by 74% and rents by 44% during Sánchez's term, figures used by the PP to present the situation as a "systemic failure" of the Government.
"When a country makes access to housing impossible, politics is failing and people's future is being stolen," Feijóo said, before placing those under 35 at the center of his proposal. "Young people must be a priority," he emphasized.
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