During a visit to Mauritania on Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez underscored the positive impact of immigration on Spain, speaking in the wake of recent anti-immigrant riots by far-right groups in the town of Torre Pacheco in Murcia.
Standing beside Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani (main image), Sánchez addressed the press, saying that both Spain and other affluent nations owe a significant part of their progress to the contributions of migrants.
Mauritania has become a critical transit point for irregular migrants attempting the hazardous Atlantic crossing from West Africa to Europe, with many aiming to reach Spanish shores.
‘Today, the progress and good economic situation of Spain owes a lot to the contribution made by immigration, to the people who have come to develop their life plans there,’ Sánchez said.
He advocated for stronger collaboration with countries such as Mauritania to ensure migration is ‘safe, regular, organised’, and mutually advantageous.
His remarks come amid efforts by Spanish authorities to restore calm in the town of Torre Pacheco, where violent incidents targeting migrants followed an assault on a 68-year-old local resident. The unrest has prompted Spain’s far-right to renew demands for migrant expulsions. ALSO READ: Strong police presence, as fewer than 100 turn up for latest anti-migrant protest in Torre Pacheco.
Sánchez has consistently defended immigration’s role in Spain’s growth. Last August, he toured three West African nations, including Mauritania, to promote ‘circular migration’ initiatives aimed at bringing in skilled workers to meet Spain’s labour needs. ALSO READ: Mauritania and Spain pledge cooperation on migration and to combat people smuggling.
In recent years, thousands of migrants have died attempting to reach Spain and other Mediterranean destinations from Mauritania and other North African countries via sea routes. ALSO READ: Spain registers all-time record of migrants reaching the Canary Islands.
The Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) reported that nearly 10,500 people lost their lives at sea in 2024 alone. That same year, official data showed around 46,800 African migrants arrived on Spain’s Canary Islands. Although this figure has declined in 2025, the route remains perilous. ALSO READ: More than 10,450 migrants died in 2024 trying to reach Spain by sea.
During Sánchez’s visit, Spanish and Mauritanian authorities signed four agreements covering transportation and infrastructure, social welfare, cybersecurity, and national park cooperation, according to a statement from the Spanish government. ALSO READ: Spain approves transfer of migrant minors from Canary Islands to other regions.
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España apuesta por África. Con ambición y mirada de futuro.
Las empresas son clave para convertir esa apuesta en realidad. pic.twitter.com/pgviuj3IZq
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 16, 2025
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