Basque President Calls for Migrant Integration

Basque President Imanol Pradales dedicated his recent New Year's Eve address to the growing migrant population in the region. He highlighted a significant demographic shift, noting that the migrant community has expanded tenfold since the year 2000. The President's message was one of invitation and mutual responsibility, urging newcomers to fully embrace life in the Basque Country.

Pradales framed integration as a collaborative effort. He described it as a 'double-way path' requiring commitment from both the migrants and the host society. The core of his message centered on the balance of rights and obligations as the foundation for successful social cohesion in Euskadi.

The Basque Country has experienced a dramatic increase in its migrant population over the first quarter of the 21st century. According to the President's remarks, the number of migrants living in the region has multiplied by ten since the year 2000. This represents a rise from approximately 30,000 individuals to more than 300,000 in the present day.

This demographic shift has placed integration at the forefront of the political agenda. The significant growth highlights the changing social fabric of the region. It underscores the need for policies that address the realities of a more diverse population.

President Pradales addressed the migrant community directly, using a metaphor to encourage deeper engagement with Basque society. "Habéis puesto un pie en Euskadi. Os animo a que pongáis los dos," he stated, which translates to "You have put one foot in Euskadi. I encourage you to put both." This statement serves as a call for full participation in the region's social and civic life.

The President's message was one of encouragement rather than mere observation. By urging the community to 'put both feet' in the region, he signaled a desire for a stronger bond between the migrant population and the Basque Country. The focus was on building a shared future and identity.

The central theme of the speech was the concept of integration as a "camino de doble sentido de derechos y obligaciones," or a "double-way path of rights and obligations." Pradales argued that true social cohesion can only be achieved through this balanced approach. He emphasized that integration requires both commitment and expectation from all sides.

This framework suggests that while migrants are entitled to the rights of living in the Basque Country, they also have responsibilities to the community. Similarly, the host society has an obligation to facilitate this integration. The President's vision relies on this reciprocal relationship to foster a unified society.