The Assembly of Madrid held a plenary session on Thursday, May 7, 2026 [1], to debate the regularisation of immigrants.
The session arrives amid high political tension regarding migration policy and the international diplomatic standing of Madrid's regional government. The debate highlights a deepening divide between the regional administration and opposition parties over how to handle undocumented residents.
Reports on the attendance of President Isabel Díaz Ayuso vary. Some sources said Ayuso was absent from the session because she was on a diplomatic trip to Mexico [1]. This trip reportedly included a homage to Hernán Cortés and sparked friction with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum [1]. However, other reports said that Ayuso did attend the plenary and used the platform to attack left-wing opponents [1].
During the discourse on immigration, Ayuso previously criticized the regularisation decree. She said, "Any small-time criminal will be able to be regularised" [1].
Opposition members reacted to the regional government's stance. Pablo Bustinduy said, "The message that Ayuso sends to tenants is that if they are in that situation, it is because they deserve it" [1]. Additionally, Manuela Bergerot expressed a stance toward property and policy, saying, "We are going to expropriate one of her apartments too" [1].
The clash in the Assembly reflects a broader struggle over the legal status of migrants in Spain. While the regional government emphasizes security and legality, opposition figures argue that the current approach ignores the humanitarian needs of tenants and migrants.
“"Any small-time criminal will be able to be regularised"”
The conflicting reports regarding Ayuso's presence suggest a chaotic political environment where the President's international diplomatic activities in Mexico are clashing with her domestic legislative duties. The focus on immigration regularisation serves as a proxy for a larger ideological battle between the regional right-wing administration and the left-wing opposition over the rule of law versus social integration.
