Despite the Spanish government’s official denial, Spain’s Catalonia region is actively working to remove national police forces from its airports. This controversial move, spearheaded by Catalonia’s president Salvador Illa, marks a significant step towards regionalizing security and undermining Spain’s centralized control.
In a speech on December 20, Illa announced that negotiations would begin in 2025 to transfer airport and port security from the Civil Guard and National Police to the regional Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s police force. “We will call a Security Board meeting at the beginning of the year so that the Mossos d’Esquadra assume responsibility for ports and airports,” Illa declared, effectively granting regional authorities control over the external borders in Catalonia.
This move is seen as a power grab by the Catalan separatist movement, seeking to create the illusion of an independent state. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has continually bent to the will of Catalan separatists, relying on their support to maintain his fragile socialist-led government. His latest concession, however, raises alarms over the increasing fragmentation of Spain’s unity.
Only two weeks prior, Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska had dismissed the idea of such a transfer, claiming it wasn’t under consideration. Yet, leaks from the Civil Guard and National Police suggest that plans are already in the works.
Illa’s announcement also contradicts previous promises that he would not pull the Mossos d’Esquadra off the streets to take over airport security. His shift in stance has drawn criticism, with Civil Guard and National Police officials warning that reducing their presence in Catalonia could jeopardize public safety.
This move further exposes the weak leadership of Sánchez, who seems more concerned with holding onto power than maintaining Spain’s security and unity. The implications of Catalonia taking control of critical infrastructure like airports and ports are clear: it’s a dangerous step toward further destabilizing Spain.
