Cádiz
Welcoming migrants despite economic difficulties
Key Takeaways
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Cádiz showed that despite socio-economic problems, a unified political leadership (2015 - 2023) can set a powerful example to local residents, other cities, national governments and the EU of how cities can defend its rights-centred approach to protecting refugees and vulnerable migrants.
What is unique about the city?
Challenging the government: The southern city of Cádiz in Spain has experienced persistently high unemployment rates and a shrinking population in the last few decades. Despite these issues, in 2015, Cádiz’s local government became one of the most outspoken critics of both the Spanish government and the EU in their response to the arrival of people seeking international protection.
What is the focus of local migration policies?
Fostering a pro-migrant discourse: The former city’s mayor (2015 - 2023) Mr. José María ‘Kichi’ González (Adelante Cádiz) has become a familiar face in Spanish media through his fervent defence of the role of cities in receiving refugees and vulnerable migrants. His government has established a discourse of welcome and the defence of human rights that Cadiz’s residents also identify with. Following years of conservative governments, ‘Kichi’ Gonzalez is the first to put the issues of (forced) migration and refugees on the local political agenda. However, in May 2023, Bruno García (Partido Popular) of the conservative party was appointed mayor. This could probably have a negative impact on the continuation of the progressive migration policies of his left-leaning predecessor.
What are the greatest achievements so far?
Increased awareness on social inclusion: The city is an important transit point for migrants arriving into Europe from Northern Africa, and the new administration has primarily focused its energies on awareness-raising and social inclusion initiatives. Over the last few years, the particular success of the former mayor ‘Kichi’ (2015 - 2023) has been in establishing the city’s pro-migrant stance, despite its own economic problems.
Political activities and advocacy beyond the city level
Since the beginning of the European ‘refugee crisis’, Cádiz has publicly called on the Spanish government and the EU to make no compromises where human rights are at stake. The local government has taken several steps to make their position on the issue clear. As a founding member of the Spanish “Cities of Refuge” network, the city has had a strong presence in national debates on these issues. In June of 2017, the city was officially declared a City of Refuge.
Member of the following networks
Download the full city report
The city report contains more information about the city’s migration and inclusion policies and selected local approaches. Report from 2021, updated in 2023.