Story perspectives

Spain approves citizenship bill for Western Saharans 168-31

By Drooid · Sep 12, 2026, 6:44 AM UTC · How we work

Center

Spain Congress Approves

On 10 September 2026, Spain’s Congress of Deputies approved a citizenship bill for Western Saharans born before 29 September 1977 and their descendants.
The measure now requires Senate approval and gives eligible applicants three years to submit their requests.
Vote tally was 168 in favor, 31 against, and 145 abstentions.
Spanish Socialist Party and Sumar backed the bill, while People's Party abstained and Vox opposed.

Left

Spain Grants Citizenship

Spain’s lower house approved on 10 September 2026 a bill granting citizenship to Western Saharans born before 29 September 1977 and their descendants.
Supporters frame the law as redressing a historic injustice stemming from Spain’s colonial rule over Western Sahara.
The measure passed 168-to-31, backed by the Socialist Party, Sumar and regional allies.
Tesh Sidi, the first Sahrawi-origin MP, said it restores the ID card taken from Sahrawis.

Blindspot

The legislation now requires approval from Spain’s Senate and gives eligible applicants three years to submit citizenship requests.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage regarding the bill’s Senate approval and application deadline.

1 of 3

Spain Congress Approves

On 10 September 2026, Spain’s Congress of Deputies approved a citizenship bill for Western Saharans born before 29 September 1977 and their descendants.
The measure now requires Senate approval and gives eligible applicants three years to submit their requests.
Vote tally was 168 in favor, 31 against, and 145 abstentions.
Spanish Socialist Party and Sumar backed the bill, while People's Party abstained and Vox opposed.

1 / 3