Spain: 163,000 new citizens barred from voting for now
The Constitutional Court rejected an urgent appeal by the ombudsman. Those affected are Spaniards abroad naturalised under the so-called "grandchildren's law".
Archive image · Photo: Zarateman / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (cropped and resized)
Around 163,000 people who gained Spanish citizenship under the so-called grandchildren's law will for now be unable to vote in the Nov. 29 general election. The Constitutional Court rejected an urgent appeal by Ombudsman Angel Gabilondo by 10 votes to 2, ruling it premature because proceedings before the Supreme Court have not concluded. It did not rule on the merits. The Supreme Court had suspended the voting rights of those naturalised without having to prove their ancestors were exiles.
The restriction applies to the register of voters living abroad and does not affect citizenship itself. Consulates can certify in individual cases that descent requirements are met, Inspain reported. According to The Rio Times, citing Euronews, the deadline for objections to the Supreme Court expires on Friday. Most applicants under the 2022 law come from Latin America, mainly Argentina and Cuba. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the snap election in early October.