France’s Far‑Right Pushes for New Border Rules, Blames Spain

The National Rally in France has promised to bring back strict border checks if it wins the next election. Its leader said that Spain’s plan to regularise many undocumented migrants could open a path for more people to enter Europe. The speech happened in Porto, Portugal, at an event hosted by the European Parliament group Patriots for Europe. During the talk, the French politician warned that Spain’s fast‑track residency scheme could change the balance of life in Madrid and affect nearby countries. The plan would give legal status to migrants who entered before 2025 and lived there for five continuous months. The Spanish government claims the measure could bring up to 500, 000 new workers and help the economy. The French leader accused Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of turning the country into a “gateway for migration. ” Sánchez, who is from the Socialist Party, has denied these accusations. He says the policy simply acknowledges the rights of people already living in Spain and points to similar programs run by previous governments.If elected, the National Rally would re‑implement border controls and limit free movement to EU citizens only. The party’s stance is part of a broader debate on energy independence, territorial integrity and Europe’s future. Portugal’s far‑right party leader, André Ventura, joined the event and echoed concerns that Spain’s residency permits might be a political trick to win votes. In reality, only Spanish citizens can vote in national elections; migrants with residency do not automatically gain citizenship or voting rights. The discussion highlighted the tension between national sovereignty and European cooperation, with leaders from different countries weighing in on how best to manage migration while protecting their borders.