Spain and Basque government agree on reforms to fight recidivism

The Spanish Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and the Basque government have agreed to reform the Ley de Enjuiciamiento Criminal (Lecrim) to tackle recidivism in the Basque Country. The agreement, reached during the Junta de Seguridad meeting, includes nine pacts aimed at strengthening legal tools against repeat offenders and increasing the Ertzaintza's role in immigration matters.

The measures

• Reform of the Lecrim to allow action against reoffenders without a final sentence. The PNV will seek parliamentary support for the reform, which requires an absolute majority in the Congress. Source: abc.es, elmundo.es
• Modification of the weapons regulation to reinforce prevention, control, and sanctions for carrying knives in public places. Source: abc.es
• Greater involvement of the Ertzaintza in police reports for expulsion procedures of foreign nationals, traditionally a National Police competence. Source: abc.es, elmundo.es
• Access to the Central Registry of Citizen Security Infractions and enhanced collaboration in cybersecurity and European police bodies. Source: elmundo.es

What's next

The reform must be processed in the Congress, where the government lacks an absolute majority. The PNV has committed to seeking support from other parties, including Junts. Both sides aim to implement the changes within six months, in a legislature that Sánchez intends to extend until 2027. Source: elmundo.es