Franco asks the Ministry of the Interior for information about future controls at the Gibraltar border
The mayor of La Línea de la Concepción (Cádiz), Juan Franco (La Línea 100x100), has indicated that on Wednesday they sent a letter to the Ministry of the Interior, agreed upon with the other spokespersons of the municipal groups —PP and PSOE— requesting information about the implementation of biometric controls at the border point with Gibraltar, known as the Verja.
It is worth recalling that the new Schengen Area Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are scheduled to come into effect. The Gibraltar government had already warned its citizens last July about this contingency, under which controls at the Verja would be reinstated, making it mandatory to scan passports and provide biometric data before crossing. However, once in the system, the process would not need to be repeated.
"According to the information I've seen, it seems the plan was for this new control system to come into force in November, although a recent update suggested it might be postponed because three Schengen members —the Netherlands, Germany, and France— were facing difficulties implementing it by that date," the mayor said in a statement to the press.
Nonetheless, he noted that during a personal visit to the area, he observed that "on the return side to Spain, the access control system to our national territory has been changed."
He explained that what they are proposing is "simply a technical matter," as they are "aware that once these controls are installed, there will be an adaptation period, and during that time, we may experience some days with queues, delays, and problems within the municipal limits of La Línea, where these potential holdups would occur."
Finally, the mayor of La Línea stated that they are waiting for information and emphasized that "the City Council is at the Ministry’s disposal, as it must be, to help in any way it can."
A protest is set for October 25th in La Línea, where residents will march to the border to raise awareness about what they describe as unresolved 'GiBrexit' issues.
La Linea Mayor Juan Franco has voiced his frustration with what he calls, the Spanish government’s continued neglect of the town’s unique challenges, citing its reliance on Gibraltar.
He warned that prolonged border uncertainty could lead to rising property prices and increased economic hardship for La Linea.
Chaos at the Border and Delay of the Gibraltar Treaty, Key Issues in the 1st 'Comarca a Debate' on 7TV
7TV Campo de Gibraltar launched a new programme on Friday night in which it will analyse current issues in the region through a debate format, featuring experts in various fields. Gibraltar, which has been a focal point in recent news, became the central theme of the first of these debates. Two key topics were discussed: the delay of the treaty that will define the relationship between Gibraltar and the European Union post-Brexit, eight years after the UK voted to leave the EU, and the recent chaos at the border caused by both Spanish and Gibraltarian authorities requiring passports from Gibraltar residents and cross-border workers, respectively.
The debate, moderated by Linense journalist Rubén García Garzón, featured several prominent figures: former Mayor of Algeciras Patricio González, former Linense Mayor Juan Carmona, whose term coincided with the reopening of the border, Magistrate Manuel Gutiérrez Luna, who served for 20 years as President of the Algeciras Section of the Provincial Court, and Rafael Fenoy Rico, a teacher, trade unionist, and former candidate for Mayor of Algeciras from Adelante Andalucía.
For nearly an hour, the participants discussed various aspects of the ongoing issues with Gibraltar, starting with the recent passport checks at the border. All agreed that the response from Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, was a mistake, with Juan Carmona describing it as “childish.” Picardo had responded to the passport checks—initiated by Spain, but which no official government body recognised as an official order and linked instead to a rogue inspector’s decision—by similarly disrupting the border at 7:00 am when thousands of cross-border workers were trying to enter Gibraltar for work.
Carmona pointed out that Spanish workers in Gibraltar today are “no longer mere labourers but doctors, engineers, IT professionals… highly specialised people,” who play a crucial role in Gibraltar’s economy. In doing so, Gibraltar had, he said, “shot itself in the foot.” Fenoy further highlighted the work hours lost within Gibraltar, which posed a significant detriment to the territory itself. González criticised Picardo’s “arrogant” attitude, saying that both Spanish and Gibraltarian residents were angry, adding that the situation was “bad for the treaty negotiations.” Gutiérrez Luna believed that this incident should serve as a prompt to speed up negotiations, which have been stalled for eight years.
The panel also discussed the reaction of Linense Mayor Juan Franco, who called a press conference hours after the events to express his frustration with the situation and to announce a planned public demonstration on the 25th. Carmona noted that La Línea has “very specific problems,” being “poorer” than neighbouring Algeciras, with its port, or San Roque, which benefits from taxes like property tax and industrial activity. Both Patricio and Carmona criticised Franco’s remarks regarding the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, where Franco implied that mayors from towns like Jimena and Tesorillo had no place there. However, all agreed that La Línea is the area most affected by issues related to Gibraltar.
The debate also focused on the eight-year delay in reaching a post-Brexit agreement and the reasons behind this, including the lack of information on the negotiations. Carmona noted that “out of 250 points in the agreement, 248 have been resolved,” and that the remaining issues were more “sentimental” in nature but still significant. One major sticking point, agreed upon by all participants, was the demand from Brussels for Spanish Frontex agents to be present at Gibraltar’s port and airport, which would serve as the new Schengen border following the removal of the fence. The panellists agreed that there needed to be more flexibility, suggesting compromises such as having the agents work in plain clothes rather than in uniform.
The lack of public information on the negotiations was also raised, with participants expressing concern that Gibraltar residents appeared to be more informed than their Spanish counterparts, with Picardo acting as a kind of “spokesperson” for both sides. There was near-unanimous criticism of the role played by local politicians, particularly the heads of the General State Administration and the Foreign Ministry's delegation in the region, with the panellists calling for more transparency. Patricio González also criticised the limited influence that local politicians like José Ignacio Landaluce and Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, both chairing Spain’s foreign affairs committees, seemed to have on the negotiations compared to Picardo.
After a short break, the debate turned to concerns recently expressed by port companies in Algeciras, raised by Aesba. The panellists disagreed somewhat over whether Gibraltar engaged in unfair competition, with Fenoy advocating for tax harmonisation to prevent damaging imbalances, while González pointed to the role of Boluda in Gibraltar and criticised the lack of a Maritime Captaincy at the port, which is more focused on military affairs. Carmona argued that the port of Algeciras had “overtaken” Gibraltar’s, with a 40-to-1 imbalance in traffic, and that Spanish companies like Cepsa had benefited from activities like bunkering in the region. Gutiérrez Luna emphasised that Algeciras, one of Europe’s largest ports, had little to fear from Gibraltar’s port and speculated that issues like tax harmonisation were likely part of the agreement already, although this had not been made public.
All four panellists expressed their frustration and confusion over the fact that, during a meeting last Wednesday between Minister Albares and local mayors, nothing was mentioned about the decision to postpone the introduction of biometric controls at the border, which was announced just 24 hours later. This delay in implementing Schengen regulations, particularly concerning the 90-day limit for Gibraltar residents in Spanish territory, has significant economic implications for La Línea, which depends heavily on Gibraltar.
The concept of shared prosperity was another intense topic of discussion. Carmona praised Gibraltar’s “fabulous generations-old entrepreneurial culture,” but noted its need for “qualified labour provided by Spain” and “space” for businesses, suggesting measures like a “tailored corporate tax.” Patricio González criticised the lack of clarity on this so-called shared prosperity, lamenting that “we’re still abandoned by everyone.” Gutiérrez Luna added that the issue is perceived very differently in Madrid compared to Campo de Gibraltar, where “beyond this region, it hardly matters.” Fenoy argued that shared prosperity “only makes sense when both sides have it to share,” pointing to the stark disparities in per capita income and unemployment rates.
In their final reflections on the near future, optimism about reaching an agreement was prevalent. Carmona expressed confidence, stating that not reaching a deal would be “absolutely negative” for both Gibraltar and Campo de Gibraltar. Patricio González echoed this sentiment but added, “as a citizen, I’d like to know what’s going on,” criticising the fact that Gibraltar provides more information than Spain. “Even the eight mayors who met with Albares aren’t informed. The image we present is pitiful,” he said.
Gutiérrez Luna insisted that “ideally, an agreement will be reached; eventually, it will happen.”
Finally, Fenoy proposed a “much more ambitious geopolitical vision,” suggesting the creation of an “autonomous territory” within the EU that would encompass the Bay of Algeciras, Ceuta, Melilla, and even Tangier in Morocco.
La Linea Mayor Franco announces mass demo to border: ‘There is no Plan B’
Mr Franco said he had already requested permission for a demonstration at 8pm on October 25, starting from the Plaza de Fariñas and going to the border, where a manifesto will be read out.
He called for labour representatives, civil society and business organisations, neighbourhood groups and sporting associations to back the march.
“We want a massive response,” he said.
Reminds me of a message in this GM edition -
The people of the Campo need to join together with the Gibraltarians and unite the whole Campo with their Gibraltarian cousins, with everyone at peace, free and prosperous under the rule of Christ- Uniting The Campo Under Christ Not Madrid
And the message in a recent article from Gibraltar Messenger:
There are family and friendship ties between the Gibraltarians and the indigenous people of The Campo, that must not be severed by the NAZI EU, because they are ALL Gadites/Gaditanos. These binding ties need to be used and strengthened to persuade the people of The Campo to reject the NAZI EU and its puppet politicians in Madrid, and come out of the EU, and liberate themselves from all their fraudulent - oppressive legislation, rules, regulations and taxation. - THE NAZI EU FOURTH REICH
Mayor of La Línea urges flexibility in Gibraltar talks
Oct 15, 2024
The Mayor of La Línea, has expressed concerns that the European Union might walk away from the negotiating table if discussions continue to drag on without resolution.
Speaking on last night's City Pulse, Juan Franco emphasised that a one-size-fits-all approach, which may be effective in other contexts, is unlikely to work at the Gibraltar-Spain border.
He urged those involved in the treaty negotiations to adopt a creative and flexible mindset to address the remaining issues.
Juan Franco says, a failure to do so risks leading everyone into a lose-lose situation.
Speaking in an online video address, Franco warned: "The time has come to seek solutions... It is necessary to establish a contingency plan and adopt exceptional measures for La Linea.
"Eight years since the referendum, significant changes have still not been implemented.
"For this reason, we have called for a demonstration on Friday, October 25 at 8pm in Plaza de Farinas.
The Mayor of La Línea, Juan Franco, is focusing his energy this week on Friday’s mass demonstration against the backdrop of ongoing treaty talks.
Like Gibraltar, La Linea has faced an uncertain future since the Brexit referendum in 2016.
But the city feels sidelined in many ways, fearful that its unique circumstances and relationship with Gibraltar are not being properly addressed by Madrid.
Now it wants to make its voice heard and put a spotlight on the critical need to reach a treaty that guarantees frontier fluidity vital to communities on both sides of the border, while having careful regard on its impact in La Linea.
“The moment has come,” Mr Franco said in an interview with the Chronicle.
The march, triggered by the recent reciprocal tightening of immigration controls that collapsed border traffic, will start at 8pm in the Plaza Fariña before heading to the frontier.
But La Linea’s mayor said utmost care would be taken to ensure border fluidity is not impacted by the march.
And he added: “If Gibraltarians come to the demo, they will be very welcome.”
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Franco described how the city council is preparing the march on October 25.
Q. What support are you relying on for the demonstration?
A. The meeting we held on Tuesday received a massive response. There were representatives from the Mesa de Trabajo, the Federación de Vecinos, sports clubs, trade unions, political parties, parents' associations and the [church] fraternities, all of whom have shown their support. There were some points of criticism, but they agreed with the demonstration.
Q. You gave a very critical press conference following the collapse at the border and you have since called this march. Have there been any new contacts with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Madrid or the European Union since then?
A. There are no new developments in that regard. I have had contact with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo; with the Board of Spokespersons of La Línea city council and with some entities and groups. But I have no formal knowledge of any further meetings this week. It is important to stress that we have already been authorised to proceed, and that we are strongly insisting on guaranteeing security to ensure neither the road nor the border itself are cut off during the march. To this end, municipal and national police officers will be deployed, and I hope that the rally will be a success.
Q. What did you talk about with the Chief Minister?
A. We discussed the matter. He told me about the repercussions of some of my interviews in the media, such as The Telegraph; also on Monday I was on GBC's City Pulse programme. As always, there was a good dialogue with the Chief Minister. He told me that he fully understands our concerns and reasons for the demonstration. I made it clear to him again that this demonstration is not against anybody, it is simply a demand aimed at our institutions. In fact, great care will be taken to ensure that there is not the slightest problem with border transit. We are not going to stage any sit-ins or anything of the sort.
Q. So there will be no interference in the flow of traffic.
A. I want to make it clear once again that there will be no interference in the flow of traffic in and out of Gibraltar, either to vehicular traffic or to pedestrians. And there are security arrangements in place in case some fool decides to make a fool of himself. And I insist that we are appealing to our governments, the Junta de Andalucía and the Spanish state. Although perhaps the UK Government might also take note and, once and for all, reach agreement with the Spanish government. But this is a totally peaceful protest. I believe that this was the spirit of all those who attended the preparatory meeting.
Q. The concern expressed by some at the preparatory meeting as to how this demonstration might impact relations between La Línea and Gibraltar seemed remarkable.
A. Bear in mind that we are talking about a very sensitive issue. We are being very careful. The municipal police has even prepared a report stating our aims and where we plan to walk to. The demonstration will end in front of the Municipal Tourist Office. There will be no disruption of traffic. I don't want it to be misunderstood on the other side of the border. I think the interview in GBC was good, as is this one in the Chronicle, so that everybody can see the tone we are using, what we are asking for. I am sure that most of the Gibraltarian population agrees with our demands. In fact, I have had contact this week with people in Gibraltar and everybody thinks as we do. There should be no problem.
Q. At the meeting there was mention of the possibility of a simultaneous demo on the other side of the border. Did you discuss this with the Chief Minister? Do you think the Gibraltarian citizens will attend the march in La Línea?
A. Whatever they do spontaneously from Gibraltar is a matter for them, and if Gibraltarians come to the demonstration they will be very welcome. We will be grateful for the support and we will welcome them, obviously. I told the Chief Minister what we were going to do and I am not going to put pressure on him, nor do I know whether it is useful or not from his point of view. I am the Mayor of La Linea and I believe that this is the right time for the demonstration. I believe that the citizens support us and the time has come. The rest of the actions have to be evaluated in their social and political context, and it is also very complex. We have analysed it, assessed it and we have taken it forward. We have analysed the repercussions, the possible outcomes, and that is where we are.
Q. The Federación de Vecinos says you should have done more. What’s your view?
A. I respect all opinions, especially when they are made with respect, as in this case. But I do not share them. As a city council, during all this time, we have been doing our homework. We produced a document on the economic impact of Brexit on the city in 2016. An open document on the subject was agreed in 2018. And during all this time, we have had constant meetings with the Government of Gibraltar, the delegate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Campo de Gibraltar; with five foreign ministers; government delegates, territorial delegates, Brussels, Committee of the Regions. We have not stopped. If it is considered insufficient, perhaps I should have tied myself to the door of the Ministry. Some associations also called for protests and the public response was not large.
Q. Will other measures be taken after the demonstration? There has even been talk of taking up the motion on La Linea’s unique status in Congress in Madrid.
A. It has been shown that this motion is worthless. We have taken motions to plenary, in Parliament, in Congress and we are exactly the same. What I want is for the specific measures to be included in the state budget law, in a Decree Law or in a regulatory instrument with direct repercussions on our daily lives.
Q. What type of differentiated approach would you be satisfied with?
A.- There are two parallel problems here, at two levels: one, the Brexit agreement. The other is the special situation of the city. Alongside this, there is also the situation of the city council. The city council has no unemployment, no low income and no social problems. But it has an adjustment plan, limited income and not enough resources to provide proper services. The city council's situation needs to be analysed and a solution needs to be found, because it should be a driving force for the city's economy.
On the other hand, there is the city's problem, which ties in with the package of measures on training, employment and social issues that we need. We have very big and very deep social problems, which then have other repercussions that we all know about. We urgently need a special tax zone, so that companies can set up in our municipality. We have to address the special needs of civil servants in order to have better quality public services.
And we also have to address very unique situations arising from being Gibraltar’s neighbour, such as the turnover of our companies on the Rock; the 11,000 residents from La Linea who work in Gibraltar out of a total of 15,000 workers. And, above all, the future and present of pensions. This deserves proper attention and a package of measures in which Spain and Andalusia should be working side by side.
Finally, the deal. We all want an agreement, but not at any price. Because I could find that a magnificent deal for Spain, the UK and Gibraltar would be harmful for La Línea. What would happen, for example, if they were to put roads out of the airport on our fairground site, where we hope to create an industrial estate? What would happen, if the border were removed, to the price of land in La Línea?
There could be such a case of inflation that, paradoxically, the people of La Línea would not be able to buy homes, because the difference in income levels between the two territories is huge. Let's see if we are going to end up becoming a paradise for some and a nightmare for my fellow residents. This has not been analysed, because I know it is not on the agenda.
Q. You did raise this with the [Spanish foreign] minister and other authorities.
A.- It’s clear that my accent is so thick that nobody understands me. Because, for example, when I explain the autonomous city project to some authorities, in private they agree with me and in public they have called me a clown.
Q. But the autonomous city project is at a halt now, right?
A. For the moment it has come to nothing, but if there is a referendum in Catalonia, there will be a referendum in La Línea. My obligation is to look for a solution, because the day I am not mayor, I don't want to look in the mirror and say that I have betrayed my fellow residents.
Q. What will happen if the EES System comes into force in 2025?
A. We don't know when it will be but it could even be December 31. Every day I wake up scared to see what message I will find on WhatsApp.
Q. After the recent border collapse, your statements towards Mr Landaluce [PP senator and Mayor of Algeciras] were very critical.
A. I have a personal friendship with the Mayor of Algeciras, and I deeply respect him because he is in his fourth legislature. And I understand that, in the political arena, he will play his own political game. What I criticise and I cannot allow as mayor is that Brexit, a problem that affects La Linea almost entirely in the Campo, is suddenly seen as a problem for the Port of Algeciras. And not only by the Mayor, but also by the Junta’s presidency councillor Antonio Sanz.
I am grateful to Sanz for many reasons, but I am defending my position.
Neither do I agree I do not agree with the format in which I go to Madrid, or with the problems raised by other mayors in this context. I respect, support and appreciate them. But the Brexit problem is La Línea's problem, and I don't support going to Madrid with Diputación or Mancomunidad either.
I think they are doing a great job, but I had to explain things to the president of the Diputación because she is from Jerez. She didn't even know about Friday's collapse at the border, among other things because it didn't even appear in the Diario de Cádiz, because we are not on anyone's public agenda. It's not good for us to go with the rest of the mayors.
In fact, I am considering not going to the next meeting and giving a press conference in the City Hall.
I am accompanied to those meetings by some people who don't even know where Gibraltar is, or La Línea, or what Community Care is. Because their problems are different.
Q. But after your previous visit to Madrid, you said direct dialogue would be opened with the ministry.
A. I can't say anything bad about this minister [meaning Jose Manuel Albares, Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs]. He has always been courteous, friendly and we have a direct relationship with the Head of Cabinet. I understand that he gives me the information he can give me and that they are involved in international negotiations on a matter that has been going on for 320 years and they are not going to tell the first person who walks through the door. But if instead of 20 people at that meeting, there are two of us, things change.
Q. Finally, have you spoken to the Mayor of San Roque and Member of Parliament, Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, about the demonstration?
A. I haven't called him because he is perfectly aware of the matter. If he wants to come, he will be welcome, but in the last year his statements have always been to accuse us. It seems unbelievable that he sees things the way he does. If he comes to La Línea, he will be welcome, as he always has been and as I have too when visiting San Roque.
Photos courtesy of La Linea city council
22nd October 2024
In the morning rush hour on Tuesday, cross-border commuters were handed leaflets by La Linea’s mayor, Juan Franco, with a stark message: “We don’t want another 1969.”
Mr Franco, accompanied by other city councillors, was drumming up support for a mass demonstration on Friday.
The leaflets prepared by La Linea’s city council underscored the need for a UK/EU treaty on Gibraltar’s that guaranteed frontier fluidity vital to so many people and businesses on both sides of the border.
“We don't want another repetition of 1969, when the closure of the border plunged the city into misery,” the leaflet states, adding that the economic and social impact of ‘no deal’ “would be devastating”.
La Linea’s city council views Friday’s demonstration as “a historic march to demand an immediate solution to the serious problems affecting the city”.
A failure to reach a treaty for Gibraltar would “threaten the economic stability of thousands of families and businesses.”
“What’s at stake is not just some people’s futures, but the wellbeing and dignity of the city as a whole,” the leaflet states.
Spanish mayor warns hard-border with Gibraltar will be a disaster for his town and see it spiral into the hands of criminals as he pleads with Madrid to agree post-Brexit deal
Workers crossing from mainland Spain to Gibraltar could be forced to endure agonising 14-hour queues if the two cannot agree a post-Brexit deal, a border town mayor has warned.
Juan Franco, who oversees La Linea to the north of the British overseas territory, said the failure of Spain and Gibraltar to reach an agreement could have devastating consequences on the city's depressed economy - including thousands drifting towards the region's organised criminal gangs if they cannot work.
As a result of this deal, Spanish border guards have allowed Gibraltar residents to enter and leave Spain without stamping their passports or using their 90-day travel limit.
In return, over 15,000 workers from Spain - who make up more than half of the working population on the Rock - have been allowed to enter Gibraltar with ease.
Juan Franco, who oversees La Linea to the north of the British overseas territory, said the failure of Spain and Gibraltar to reach an agreement could have devastating consequences on the city's depressed economy
Since December 2020, a post-Brexit deal between the UK, Spain and the EU has allowed citizens of Gibraltar to remain part of the border-free Schengen area among other EU agreements. Pictured: A man looks out to the Rock of Gibraltar from La Linea (file pic)
But nearly four years on, a permanent agreement has not been reached.
Mayor of La Línea urges flexibility in Gibraltar talks
Oct 15, 2024
The Mayor of La Línea, has expressed concerns that the European Union might walk away from the negotiating table if discussions continue to drag on without resolution.
Speaking on last night's City Pulse, Juan Franco emphasised that a one-size-fits-all approach, which may be effective in other contexts, is unlikely to work at the Gibraltar-Spain border.
He urged those involved in the treaty negotiations to adopt a creative and flexible mindset to address the remaining issues.
Juan Franco says, a failure to do so risks leading everyone into a lose-lose situation
"La Linea matters, we are not invisible": Juan Franco at frontier to promote Friday's demonstration
Under the slogan "La Linea matters-we are not invisible", the Mayor of La Linea has joined others at the frontier to hand out leaflets promoting Friday's Brexit demonstration.
Juan Franco was there early in the morning as thousands of workers crossed into Gibraltar to start their day.
As Jonathan Scott Reports, the leaflets ask everyone to attend Friday's protest, saying we need to avoid a catastrophe like the one experienced in 1969 with the closed frontier.
They say La Linea wants to talk with a united voice in its defence.
Organisers of the demonstration call for a Brexit deal that satisfies La Linea's needs and a contingency plan should it be impossible to reach an agreement.
The demonstration will ask for specific investment in infrastructure and employment and urgent measures to protect workers, businesses and pensioners.
It will start at eight on Friday evening from La Plaza Fariñas and will make its way to the frontier, where there will be speeches.
The La Linea Mayor has made clear that traffic in and out of Gibraltar will not be affected at any time.
He calls on Gibraltarians to support it, saying the issues affect us all.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP questions the Government on the decision by the Spanish authorities to implement border and passport checks at the frontier with Gibraltar on 10 October.
Juan Franco said it could take 14 hours to pass through security once Spain begins to apply full Schengen border rules Credit: La Linea City Council
A no-deal result in Brexit talks over Gibraltar will hurt Spain, forcing its workers to endure 14-hour queues to get to their jobs on the Rock, the mayor of a Spanish border town has warned.
Juan Franco told The Telegraph that some of the 11,000 Spaniards entering Gibraltar every day would inevitably be drawn to the region’s organised criminal gangs if they could no longer work on the British overseas territory.
No deal would trigger a hard border. This means passport stamps, which have been waived since Brexit to buy time for negotiations, would be enforced, the mayor of impoverished La Linea, which neighbours Gibraltar, said.
“At that moment, the whole system will explode,” Mr Franco said, citing chaotic scenes at the border last Friday after Spanish guards began stamping passports in a surprise move.
Stamping passports would use up the visa-free travel limit, which is a problem for Spanish workers and Gibraltarians with second homes in Spain.
Mr Franco said, “Both sides are getting this wrong. Decisions should have been taken before this moment to find solutions that benefit the whole area on both sides of the border. Now we are up to our neck and close to drowning.”
"La Linea matters, we are not invisible": Juan Franco at frontier to promote Friday's demonstration
Oct 23, 2024
Under the slogan "La Linea matters-we are not invisible", the Mayor of La Linea has joined others at the frontier to hand out leaflets promoting Friday's Brexit demonstration.
Juan Franco was there early in the morning as thousands of workers crossed into Gibraltar to start their day.
As Jonathan Scott Reports, the leaflets ask everyone to attend Friday's protest, saying we need to avoid a catastrophe like the one experienced in 1969 with the closed frontier.
They say La Linea wants to talk with a united voice in its defence.
Organisers of the demonstration call for a Brexit deal that satisfies La Linea's needs and a contingency plan should it be impossible to reach an agreement.
The demonstration will ask for specific investment in infrastructure and employment and urgent measures to protect workers, businesses and pensioners.
It will start at eight on Friday evening from La Plaza Fariñas and will make its way to the frontier, where there will be speeches.
The La Linea Mayor has made clear that traffic in and out of Gibraltar will not be affected at any time.
He calls on Gibraltarians to support it, saying the issues affect us all.
Great Success of the March: Thousands Demonstrate for a Better Future for La Línea
“La Línea matters, we are not invisible” and “The people united will never be defeated” were some of the slogans chanted this afternoon at a march organized by the City Council. Many gathered in Plaza Fariñas, and at eight o'clock, the march set off along Carboneros Street, ending at the Tourist Office in front of Gibraltar. Initially, the route was planned to pass by the provisional market, but due to the large number of people, it continued on the main road, altering the direction of the march. Thousands of citizens participated in this significant demonstration.
La Línea took to the streets, fed up with the "historic neglect" the city has suffered, which could worsen with a "no deal" on Gibraltar or a "bad deal" that brings further challenges and disparities between these neighboring territories.
The mayor, Juan Franco, led the banner, joined by members of his 100 x 100 La Línea government team and local leaders of the PP and PSOE parties, Susana González and Gemma Araujo, respectively. Representatives from other local parties also attended this event, which united various political views.
Alongside social groups and organizations, there were hundreds of citizens at the march calling for the same rights as other communities. Once again, citizens’ frustration was evident. As expected, the march was calm and without incidents.
TIME TO RAISE OUR VOICES
The situation in La Línea de la Concepción, a border city with a British colony, results in neglect and abandonment by regional administrations. This is why it’s time to raise our voices and demand a better situation for the city. The central message of the marchers was for La Línea to become a city like any other, which requires exceptional measures for a municipality in an exceptional situation.
The event attracted many media outlets, including several national ones. The police ensured the demonstration proceeded peacefully.
Our colleague Rubén García spoke with Juan Franco. “Now is a time for unity. We are all fighting for our city’s future and for recognition from other institutions. We have the support of all the city’s social organizations. There’s no choice but to keep fighting; we still have a long way to achieve our goals, which are for our city to become a normal one and to address issues arising from Brexit,” he stated.
Araujo noted that “we, the entire local council, are leading this. Now is when the struggle begins. When the city’s interests are at stake, there can be no political divide, and we must all do our part.”
Susana González added, “we need to knock on every door. We must advocate for our situation and think of the people of La Línea and the cross-border workers.”
There were also comments in recent days that the march should have taken place simultaneously in La Línea and Gibraltar. Some Gibraltarians also attended this demonstration.
MANIFESTO
Finally, around 8:50 p.m., the manifesto was read aloud in a packed square at the municipal Tourist Office. Representatives from various City Council political groups took to the stage. The politicians waited a few minutes as people from the middle and back sections of the march continued to arrive. It was an unforgettable scene, with the Rock of Gibraltar in the background, and a shared hope that both sides of the border could benefit from fraternal coexistence.
Juan Franco thanked “everyone for being here today.” His first message was gratitude for the turnout, “from all political parties, including Gemma Araujo and Susana González, who are here with us leading this march.” He also thanked all the organizations for their involvement. “It is essential that we are all here together,” he said, reflecting “the popular sentiment of everyone here.”
In La Línea, “we are at a turning point. We have faced decades of problems with unemployment, a lack of training, among others. Two potential scenarios existed: the threat of a restrictive border, and on the other hand, hope that this could mark a before and after for our city. We’ve been negotiating for eight years, and it’s unclear how far these discussions have progressed. Just two Fridays ago, a difficult situation arose as entry to or exit from Gibraltar was at stake if there were no agreement.”
The two key demands are “exceptional measures for our city, which faces unique circumstances unmatched anywhere in Europe. We cannot allow this situation to continue indefinitely. We need training programs, employment plans, social programs, investment in infrastructure, and measures that were already agreed upon in 2018, such as a special tax regime for our city and lifting the City Council’s financial constraints to improve public services.”
For the mayor, “the point we’re at is very delicate.” Moreover, “our message is being taken away, our truth is being taken away. Brexit is about La Línea de la Concepción, its companies, its workers, its pensioners. Everyone living here is affected by what happens with Brexit. Some are trying to promote another message.”
UNITY
The City Council feels “it is vital that we are all here together, without divisions, showing our unity in facing this enormous challenge, the most significant since 1969 when the border was closed. We cannot allow this situation to repeat.”
“The dictatorship condemned us to the margins, and scraps were all we received. It was devastating, and we must continue fighting for our businesses, for employment, for our future, for our children’s future.”
Finally, Juan Franco added that “the unity of our city in facing this crucial challenge, one for which we haven’t even been given a voice due to political reasons, is imperative. When Brexit began, it was decided that the Commonwealth would handle the situation, effectively diluting our presence. I’m not blaming anyone for what’s happened in the last eight years.”
The mayor concluded by saying that “today is a day to be proud of being from La Línea.” He also thanked everyone from Gibraltar and nearby areas for joining this large and successful demonstration.
Juan Carmona, who was the Mayor in La Linea when the frontier was re-opened in the 80s, has told GBC it's time for politicians to get serious and focus with an open mind.
He told our reporter Kevin Ruiz progress in talks was too slow for his liking and questioned guarantees he has been given that a deal is imminent.
Mr Carmona says a 'No deal' would be a huge catastrophe. He had a message for the Spanish Government in Madrid.
There has been a huge turnout in La Linea for a Brexit demonstration.
Cross-frontier workers from our health, care, hospitality and retail industries were among the thousands who joined the demo. They have called for action on the treaty.
GBC's Kevin Ruiz was there.
There were chants of "La Linea is not invisible".
News Editor Christine Vasquez and Kevin Ruiz discuss the mood at the La Linea Brexit demo.
The protesters call on politicians to work towards an EU agreement on Gibraltar that satisfies La Linea's needs.
They also call for contingency measures if there's no treaty, including investment in infrastructure and employment.
The Mayor of La Linea, Juan Franco says the area has suffered enough neglect.
There's huge concern among businesses in La Linea too.
Loren Perianez, who represents them, has told GBC the state of limbo and uncertainty is doing nothing to alleviate concerns.
Speaking ahead of Friday's demo he said no amount of preparation for a no deal would be able to compensate for the devastating impact that losing the relationship between Gibraltar and the Campo would have.
Thousands of people marched from the centre of La Linea to the border on Friday evening to call for a Brexit treaty that guaranteed frontier fluidity vital to thousands of families and businesses in the Spanish border city.
The demonstration, convened by La Linea mayor Juan Franco, sought too to place a spotlight on the city’s unique circumstances as Gibraltar’s nearest neighbour and “the only municipality in mainland Europe with a Brexit border”.
Some 15,000 people cross the border daily to work, relying on the Rock for employment and working across all areas of Gibraltar’s economy, from healthcare to the leisure industry. In La Linea itself, many businesses also rely on Gibraltarian customers as the mainstay of their income.
When the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016, it dealt a massive blow not just to Gibraltar but to La Linea too. That uncertainty remains to this day on both sides of the border and was on clear display on Friday evening.
The demonstration set off from the Plaza Fariñas, which was heaving with bars and restaurants overflowing ahead of the march.
But as it set off to the border at 8pm, the scale of the demonstration seemed to take even the organisers by surprise.
Spanish police put the figure at around 10,000, though La Linea’s city council said as many as 12,000 may have attended. In reality, it was hard for anyone to calculate such was the mass of people.
At the head of the demonstration were Mr Franco and councillors from his La Linea 100x100 party, but also other political leaders from La Linea including Gemma Araujo, the city’s former socialist mayor, and Susana Gonzalez from the Partido Popular.
When they reached the border, the sea of people still stretched back toward the city centre, an overwhelming show of unity in the face of the most serious challenge facing the city in decades.
Addressing the crowds opposite the border, Mr Franco highlighted “…the unity on show here in the face of the biggest challenge we have faced since 1969, when the border was closed and we lost nearly 30,000 citizens who emigrated in the space of a year.”
“We cannot allow a repeat of that situation,” he said, to cheers and applause.
“All of us here have family who are in Barcelona, in London, in Australia and in the farthest places of the planet, because we were condemned to hunger by a dictatorship.”
“We have to carry on fighting for our jobs, for our businesses, for our future, and that of our children.”
‘A LOT AT STAKE’
In the crowds were placards calling for a “deal now”, a sentiment shared by pretty much everyone there.
Victoria Jiménez, who has worked for 17 years in Gibraltar, was clear as to why she was there.
“We have a lot at stake,” she said.
“The whole city needs to be in the streets to demand a resolution to Brexit.”
“We are scared because many people depend on Gibraltar.”
There were people of ages and walks of life at the march, including entire families, and the mood was upbeat despite the seriousness of the situation, with people empowered by the massive show of popular support for the demonstration.
María Teresa, whose grandchildren are Spanish workers in Gibraltar, also had no doubt as to why she was present.
“All my kids, my grandchildren, are working in Gibraltar,” she said.
“I grew up thanks to Gibraltar. I also worked there, as did my father. Everyone. We have no choice but to defend it because it's all we have.”
Mercedes, also from La Línea, echoed the same message.
“Gibraltar is a factory for the people of La Línea,” she said.
“If 15,000 people are left without jobs, La Línea will collapse.”
“We need to support the town and see if someone listens to us. The youth have no jobs here. The institutions have abandoned us.”
Zaira, who has worked in Gibraltar for six years as a nursing assistant, said the Rock offered employment stability she could not find in Spain.
“We are university graduates, trained professionals, people without resources, and thanks to Gibraltar, we have a stability that we don’t have here,” she said.
“I don’t know what it would be like without an agreement, not just for La Línea, but for the entire region, including people from Sabinillas and Málaga who come to work.”
“Finally, this town has united for something.”
This was the common refrain among all those gathered there on Friday night.
“La Línea and Gibraltar are all one family, and we are in danger if an agreement that should have been closed a long time ago is not reached,” said Antonia Moya, another La Linea resident.
Mr Franco thanked people from Gibraltar and from other municipalities who attended the demonstration. In reality though, the bulk of the support was from La Linea.
One person, Hillary Walker, a Londoner who has lived in Spain for three decades, held Gibraltar and EU flags near the front of the march. She had previously protested against Brexit too.
“I have worked for a long time in Gibraltar, and my daughter is now 18 years old,” she said.
“She is bilingual and will also have to work in Gibraltar in the future.”
“It’s very important that the border remains open.”
“Everyone simply wants an open border because they need to make a living.”
“It’s crucial for the economy of La Línea and also for Gibraltar, the two are very connected.”
‘TURNING POINT’
The call for negotiators to conclude a UK/EU treaty for Gibraltar was loud and clear, but it was accompanied too with a message to Madrid.
While the Spanish Government has engaged with Campo mayors to keep them informed on the progress of the negotiation, the sense in La Linea is that its particular circumstances risk being blurred by the demands of neighbouring municipalities that have less at stake.
That, and the inevitable domestic politics that seep into public discourse.
“We’re at an important turning point,” Mr Franco told those gathered at the border.
“Our city has for decades suffered serious problems, unemployment, lack of education, low income, low life expectancy etc etc etc.”
“After the Brexit vote in 2016, we knew there were two possible scenarios.”
“One was a threat, because without a flexible border we would have all sorts of problems.”
“But also hope that this could represent a point of departure to signal before and after in our city.”
“Sadly, we’ve been waiting for eight years for this negotiation to end and sadly, two weeks ago we had a small example of what we can expect if there is no deal.”
Mr Franco said La Linea was demanding “exceptional measures” including investment in training and infrastructure. La Linea, he said, has “no plan B”.
“There’s no other place in Europe where 15,000 people cross a border every day to work in the neighbouring and earn an honest living,” he said.
“Or our businesses, who depend on custom from people from Gibraltar.”
And he said “our story is being stolen” by other municipalities in the Campo whose leaders were voicing concerns about Brexit when La Linea was the main party impacted on the Spanish side of the border.
“The truth is that the main party affected by Brexit is La Linea, its businesses, its workers, its pensioners,” Mr Franco said.
“Any person living here will be affected by what happens with this border, fence, or whatever you want to call it.”
“And we cannot accept that some people are trying to sell another version.”
“Of course the Port of Algeciras is very important, and I wish it the best, but Brexit obviously is not going to impact the Port of Algeciras as it is going to impact our city.”
La Linea businessman Lorenzo Pérez Periáñez, who for years has participated in the Cross-Frontier Group as president of La Linea’s small businesses association, was also present at the demonstration.
“This is about people, about human relations,” he said.
“To have a hard border would be like having another Berlin wall.”
“It would be a political failure if communities on either side of the border end up being separated again.”
