Cantabria pide repatriar a 18 menores extranjeros no acompañados | España | EL PAÍS

Cantabria's Request for Repatriation

The Cantabria regional government (PP) has requested the repatriation of 18 out of 26 unaccompanied foreign minors under its care. The request, based on the claim that the minors' best interests are served by family reunification in their home countries, has been met with strong opposition.

Controversy and Legal Challenges

The initiative cites the Foreigner's Law but lacks details about the minors' family situations or the reasons for choosing these specific 18 children. This action contrasts with previous legal cases where repatriation attempts were deemed illegal by the Supreme Court for neglecting the Foreigner's Law.

The Delegation of the Government argues the repatriation process violates Spanish and international laws protecting children. While the Cantabria regional government claims it only aims to protect the minors' best interests and ensures adequate care, critics have labeled the move as a political maneuver.

Political Reactions

The Cantabria's Socialist leader has demanded an immediate rectification, highlighting the ethical implications of potentially returning vulnerable children. The president of the Canary Islands has also criticized similar actions by PP-led regions as 'tricks' to circumvent the rights of unaccompanied minors.

• The PP's actions have faced criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the move is politically motivated and harmful to the children involved.
• There are also concerns about the lack of transparency in the selection process for the repatriation.