The leader of Spain’s conservative Popular Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has called for the resignation of Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska (Spain’s interior minister) following the deaths of two Guardia Civil officers during an operation against suspected drug traffickers off the coast of Huelva.

Speaking during a political event in Andalucía on Friday, Feijóo also pledged to declassify documents linked to the Spanish government’s migrant regularisation plans if the PP returns to power nationally.

The comments came during a day of mourning after two officers died when their patrol vessel was involved in a collision during a pursuit linked to narco-trafficking operations near the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, close to the province of Huelva in southern Spain.

Officers died during anti-drug trafficking operation

Two Guardia Civil officers died during an operation targeting a suspected narco-boat near Huelva province. Drug trafficking by high-powered speedboats, known in Spain as “narcolanchas”, has become a growing security issue along parts of the southern coast. The vessels are frequently used to transport hashish and other illegal substances between North Africa and Spain.

The incident has renewed political debate over the resources available to officers working in anti-trafficking operations. Feijóo accused the government led by Pedro Sánchez of failing to provide sufficient support and protection for security forces operating in high-risk coastal areas. During his speech, the PP leader said Grande-Marlaska should resign over what he described as failures in security policy and the management of anti-drug operations.

Spain’s Interior Ministry has not announced any intention for the minister to step down.

Feijóo promises to declassify migrant regularisation documents

Alongside his criticism over the deaths of the officers, Feijóo also focused heavily on immigration policy. The opposition leader promised that a future PP government would declassify information related to the current administration’s migrant regularisation plans. In Spain, “regularisation” refers to legal processes allowing undocumented migrants already living in the country to obtain legal residency or work status under certain conditions.

Migration policy has become an increasingly divisive issue in Spanish politics, particularly in regions facing increased migrant arrivals by sea or pressure on reception systems.

The Sánchez government has defended its migration policies as necessary for humanitarian reasons and labour market demands, while opposition parties have accused it of lacking transparency over long-term immigration planning. Feijóo said the public had a right to know the details surrounding the government’s discussions and decisions on the issue. The Spanish government has not publicly stated that any classified migrant regularisation programme exists, although migration agreements and administrative planning documents are commonly handled internally between ministries and European institutions.

Political pressure grows over security and migration

The remarks reflect continuing tensions between Spain’s government and opposition over immigration, organised crime and public security. The Popular Party has repeatedly criticised the government’s handling of organised drug trafficking in Andalucía, arguing that criminal groups have become increasingly violent and better equipped in recent years. Police unions and Guardia Civil associations have also raised concerns over staffing levels, equipment and working conditions in some coastal areas heavily affected by trafficking activity.

The government has defended its security policies and says it has increased resources dedicated to combating organised crime networks operating in southern Spain. The deaths of the officers have prompted tributes from political leaders across the country, with officials from multiple parties expressing condolences to the families, colleagues and members of the Guardia Civil.

The incident is expected to intensify political debate surrounding Spain’s immigration policies, anti-drug operations and coastal security measures in the months ahead.

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Malaga province residents continue to argue about Julio Iglesias and his ties to the Sierra de Las Nieves area as rumours grow about his possible summer return to the Costa del Sol, albeit under a cloud of controversy.

Previous council initiative stalls completely

Ojen local council have confirmed to the newspaper La Razón that no active talks exist with the singer over any museum dedicated to his extensive career. The town hall has stressed the idea belonged to an earlier administration and halted years ago. Juan Merino, the current mayor, stated clearly that negotiations never resumed after the initial proposal collapsed.

Artist twice declines local tributes

Former mayor José Antonio Gómez handled direct discussions with Iglesias around 2020. Local people hoped to honour the star with a dedicated space displaying fan-collected memorabilia. Gómez met the performer at his family estate and presented a full contract outlining project details. Iglesias responded that the timing felt wrong and rejected any cultural venture or media attention around it.

The refusal followed an earlier decline in 2017 when local politicians offered to name him an adoptive son of Ojen. Both gestures received polite but firm rejections from the artist, mostly due to timing and almost certainly related to privacy concerns.

The intended location sits unused

Planners earmarked council cultural buildings close to the main square for the proposed museum. Those same facilities now remain idle, originally destined for the local Casa de la Cultura.

Warm lasting memories from the 2002 town crier role

Everyone in Ojen holds deep affection for Julio Iglesias, who owns the Cuatro Lunas mansion there. He created lasting impressions during the San Dionisio Fair when he agreed to serve as the traditional pregonero who officially opens local ferias. Crowds gathered in delight as the global icon delivered an opening speech from the stage.

Iglesias appeared in excellent spirits. His wife Miranda stayed away due to illness, yet he conveyed her fondness for the village. He recalled how Ojen marked her first sight of Malaga upon arrival and shared her warm greetings to all the residents.

Future uncertain despite strong local connection

Iglesias maintains one of his Spanish homes in this small community, where he left clear traces in social and cultural life. While the museum project stays on semi-permanent hold, fond recollections from his public appearances keep his link to Ojen alive among locals.

Spanish Bon Jovi tribute act Bad name are coming to Estepona on Saturday, May 16, and rock fans among us should not miss it. The Seville-based group with over 15 years of live performance experience, will rock the stage at Louie Louie in Estepona’s Marina. 

Who are Bad Name?

Founded in 2007, Bad Name are an extremely successful Seville-based tribute to Bon Jovi, whose live shows cover the New Jersey band’s career from their earliest recordings right through to their most recent work. The talented current members are Jaime Lopez on vocals, Alberto Sanchez-Ros on bass, Justo Rodriguez on drums, Diego Martinez on guitar, and Toni Fernandez on guitar.

The band takes its name from classic belter You Give Love a Bad Name, Bon Jovi’s huge 1986 single, which became the group’s first ever number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It was a bold choice of name, and a fitting one. Bad Name have spent nearly two decades proving they can do justice to one of rock’s most beloved catalogues. Audience rave reviews consistently hype up the band, with one fan calling them the best Bon Jovi tribute they had ever attended. High praise for the 5 members. 

Ticket prices and venue details

Bad Name are performing at Louie Louie Live, Avenida Luis Braille 1, known as Estepona’s home of rock music. Advance tickets are priced at €12 (plus booking fees) and are available via Entradium. On the door, tickets will cost €15, so booking ahead is advised. It’s one for the night owls as doors open at 10pm, with the show kicking off at 11pm. For more information visit the Louie Louie website or Bad Name social media.

A night not to miss

Enjoy the rush of screaming “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “It’s My Life”. A Bad Name show is as close to the real thing as it gets. Grab your tickets early.