The Escuela de Ciudadanía kicks off its 5th edition with its sights set on municipalism and European policies

Highlights from the Inaugural Debate of the 5th Edition of the Escuela de Ciudadanía

The Escuela de Ciudadanía (School of Citizenship) begins its fifth edition with the aim of continuing to promote the inclusion and political participation of migrants in the Valencian Community. This was done through a debate focused on the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, featuring the participation of Socialist MEP Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero, regional deputy Vicent Betoret from the Popular Party, and Serigne Mbaye, a Podemos candidate for the European Parliament. This program, unique in its kind in Europe, has been established as a valuable space for empowering the migrant population and offering new opportunities for active involvement in Valencian political life.

In this fifth edition, the Escuela de Ciudadanía focuses on two key areas: municipalism and European policies. Acknowledging the direct relevance of these fields to everyday life, including for migrant communities, the program aims to provide tools and knowledge for informed and effective participation.

The European Parliament elections add an extra layer of significance to this fifth edition. With the renewal of 705 seats at stake, the outcome of these elections has a significant impact on migration and asylum policies at the European level. The Escuela de Ciudadanía intends to address these critical issues, encouraging debate, reflection, and action among participants.

The European context and the importance of active participation in elections

During the inauguration event, Boutaina El Hadri, director of the School of Citizenship, highlighted the significance of the European Parliament elections and their direct impact on the daily lives of all people, especially migrant communities. In a context marked by global challenges and crucial debates on migration and asylum policies, informed and active citizenship participation becomes more important than ever. 

Boutaina El Hadri, director of the Escuela de Ciudadanía, delivered the inaugural speech.

The inauguration event was also attended by prominent authorities such as Stephane Soriano, Director General of Diversity of the Valencian Government; Said Drissi El Bouzaidi, Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Valencia; and Irene Gómez Santos, a former regional deputy of migrant origin.

Prominent authorities at the inauguration ceremony of the fifth edition of the Escuela de Ciudadanía

El Hadri explained that the growing interest of European citizens in these elections, reflected in an increase of 11 percentage points compared to the 2019 elections according to the Eurobarometer, demonstrates the relevance and urgency of the issues at stake. The outcome of this electoral contest, he says, will have a decisive impact on the future of thousands of migrants, as the policies adopted at the European level will have direct repercussions on their lives and those of their families.

Stephane Soriano, Director General of Diversity, emphasized the importance of civic education, the promotion of diversity, human rights, and the advancement of democratic values as fundamental pillars of the Escuela de Ciudadanía. Thus, this project stands as a space for training and reflection, where diversity, inclusion, and respect for human rights are cultivated as guiding principles.

Stephane Soriano, Director General of Diversity for the Generalitat, during his speech at the Escuela de Ciudadanía

Political debate on the new European Migration and Asylum Pact

At the inauguration event of the fifth edition of the Escuela de Ciudadanía, a debate on European migration policies and their relation to human rights was held. The event featured representatives from various political parties such as Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero, a member of the Socialist group in the European Parliament; Vicent Betoret, spokesperson for the PP on European affairs in the Valencian Courts; and Serigne Mbaye, a Podemos candidate for the European Parliament, who shared their perspectives and reflections on this crucial topic.

During the debate, fundamental issues were addressed, such as the need to prioritize human lives and the defense of rights in the formulation of migration policies. The participants agreed on the importance of respecting diversity, promoting constructive dialogue, and seeking agreements that benefit all people, regardless of their origin or migratory status.

The discussion highlighted the complexities of migration and asylum policies within the European context, emphasizing the necessity for a humane and rights-based approach. The debate also underscored the role of political representatives in advocating for policies that uphold the dignity and rights of migrants and refugees, while fostering a society that is inclusive and respectful of diversity.

Political debate at the inauguration of the 5th Escuela de Ciudadanía.

Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero, a Socialist member of the European Parliament, highlighted the importance of reaching political consensus, even with interlocutors with whom there are significant differences. 'If I didn't have to have unanimity, I would have gone further,' she stated. She also emphasized that while unanimous agreements are ideal, sometimes it is necessary to reach minimal consensus to make progress in the areas of human rights and migration policies.

Speech by Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero, a Socialist member of the European Parliament.

For his part, Vicent Betoret, spokesperson for the PP on European affairs in the Valencian Courts, noted that the immigration and asylum pact could have had a more balanced and effective approach if unanimity or the majority support of countries that reject migrations had not been required. He emphasized the need to make positions more flexible and seek middle ground that, without neglecting security, allows for the guarantee of the fundamental rights of migrant people.

Intervención del portavoz del PP de asuntos europeos en las Cortes Valencianas, Vicent Betoret

Serigne Mbaye, a Podemos candidate for the European Parliament, argued that 'it is lives and human rights that must be at the center of any migration policy' adopted in Europe. He criticized the more restrictive aspects of the pact, emphasizing that respect for human dignity must be the compass guiding negotiations and agreements in this area. He also highlighted the urgency of reviewing current policies to move towards a 'more inclusive, fair, and humane' system.

Intervención del candidato de Podemos al Parlamento Europeo, Serigne Mbaye

The debate makes evident the complexity of reaching agreements on migration issues at the European level, but it also highlights the importance of continuing to seek consensus with a perspective based on human rights and the dignity of all migrant people. The Escuela de Ciudadanía positions itself as a suitable space to promote this much-needed democratic dialogue in the current context.

With this ambitious agenda, transformative focus, and collective commitment, the fifth edition of the Escuela de Ciudadanía is emerging as a new milestone on the path towards a more representative, diverse, and participatory democracy in the Valencian Community and Spain.

The School of Citizenship is a project promoted by Jovesólides, Acoec, and Espai Obert El Marítim, with funding from the Vicepresidency of Social Services, Equality, and Housing of the Generalitat Valenciana. Follow the latest news from the Escuela de Ciudadanía on social media with the hashtags #EscueladeCiudadanía and #MigrantesEnPolíticaYA.

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