Borrell questions link between Spanish citizenship and voting rights amid grandchildren law dispute

In a televised interview, former EU high representative Josep Borrell argued that Spanish citizenship should not automatically confer the right to vote, challenging the controversial "grandchildren law" that grants nationality to descendants of those exiled under Franco. His comments followed a Supreme Court order that temporarily blocked the inclusion of these new citizens in the Electoral Census of Absent Residents, unless they can demonstrate exile.

Borrell pointed to Germany, where nationality and voting rights are distinct, and to Italy’s specific constituencies, to illustrate that many European states separate the two concepts. He also objected to labeling the beneficiaries as "absent residents," noting they have never resided in Spain. The government, via minister Óscar López, has defended the law’s application and described the court’s injunction as an undemocratic overreach.

Host Xabier Fortes asked whether opening a debate was appropriate; Borrell replied that a reasoned discussion should be allowed. The exchange highlighted a growing political divide over how Spain should treat the descendants of exiles in its democratic process.