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The recent clashes in Torre Pacheco have ignited a fierce political debate in Spain. Interior Minister Fernando Marlaska has directly blamed the Vox party, alleging that “organized groups” were behind the unrest. This accusation comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and public safety, and Marlaska has strongly defended the Interior Ministry’s data, asserting that it proves there is no connection between irregular immigration and crime.

Speaking to the press, Marlaska dismissed claims linking immigration and criminality as “simplistic,” emphasizing that the ministry’s statistics consistently refute such assertions. He stated that the data “corroborates” the lack of a causal relationship, pointing to a pattern of misinformation and fear-mongering that he believes is being deliberately fueled by certain political actors.

The Torre Pacheco incident, which involved confrontations between police and a group of individuals, quickly escalated into a political battleground. Marlaska’s accusations against Vox have been met with strong condemnation from the party, who deny any involvement and accuse the government of attempting to deflect responsibility for the situation. Vox leaders have argued that the unrest is a direct consequence of the government's perceived laxity on border control and immigration policies.

The Interior Minister’s remarks also come at a time when the issue of immigration is a central topic of debate in Spain, with rising concerns about the impact of irregular migration on public services and security. Marlaska’s defense of the ministry’s data is seen as an attempt to counter narratives that portray immigrants as a threat to public safety.

“We have to be very careful with the messages we send,” Marlaska cautioned. “Linking immigration and crime is not only inaccurate but also fuels xenophobia and discrimination. The data speaks for itself, and we must rely on facts, not on fear and speculation.”

The situation in Torre Pacheco remains tense, and the political fallout is likely to continue in the coming days. The accusations leveled by Marlaska against Vox have further polarized the political landscape and intensified the debate over immigration and public safety in Spain. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence.

The government has pledged to take all necessary measures to ensure public order and safety, while also reiterating its commitment to upholding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. The events in Torre Pacheco serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Spain as it grapples with the complex issue of immigration and the need for a balanced and evidence-based approach to policymaking.