Supreme Court Backs Madrid's Position in Dispute Over Unaccompanied Minors

Court sides with Madrid for now – Balearics remain resistant

On Sunday, the Supreme Court of Spain rejected the Balearic government's emergency request: the state decree that allocates fixed intake slots for unaccompanied minor migrants to the regions will not be suspended immediately. For us on the island, that means: continued uncertainty in social centers and debates in the town halls.

What exactly happened?

The decree, which came into force on August 26, 2025, distributes intake capacities according to population. For the Balearic Islands, this amounts to 406 places for unaccompanied minors. The island government sought to block the regulation with an urgent motion – the Supreme Court rejected this motion, because, in the judges' view, there was no immediate urgency to justify a provisional suspension.

The chamber also criticized that a decision without prior hearing of the central government would not be appropriate. The proceedings continue: Madrid now has five days to file a written statement. Only after that will the court decide definitively whether the decree applies provisionally or is suspended.

Things are getting tense on the island

The island council emphasizes that social services are "at the limit of their capacities." I spoke with staff who describe overcrowded homes and long waiting times for medical checks. Another point often heard: there are cases where adults cannot clearly prove their age and pretend to be minors – that makes planning and care even more complicated.

Politically, the case is far from over. The Balearics have opened several legal avenues, including a challenge at the Constitutional Court. On the other hand, the central position remains one of solidarity-based distribution: regions should share responsibility rather than leaving everything to a few places.

For the people here, the situation remains tense. In city offices, in shelters and with aid organizations, the same line is heard: We need clear rules and time to react. The court file is open, the deadline is running — and in the background preparations are already underway should further relocations be necessary.

On-site, between Paseo and the harbor, you can feel the debate in the air. Not only as a legal dispute, but as a real burden for staff and neighborhoods.