The dispute over the relocation of eight minors in care from Principado de Asturias in Asturias is escalating: the Voxspokesperson in the regional assembly, Carolina López, called on President Adrián Barbón on 25 August to disclose all alternative addresses currently under consideration. The regional government had previously confirmed that it would no longer pursue the initially proposed location in three flats in the neighbourhood of La Florida in Oviedo .
The government cites the need to protect the young people’s personal rights and support their integration. According to Health Minister Concepción Saavedra, who is also temporarily handling the social affairs portfolio, the eight young people have been living in Asturias for some time and are considered fully integrated. The move would be within the region, from an outdated centre in Avilés, rather than a new admission. The administration is considering specific alternative addresses but has not yet made them public.
Vox justifies its demand on grounds of transparency and neighbourhood safety. The party had already mobilised in mid-August against using flats in La Florida. The regional government and civil society organisations then accused the campaign of stoking unfounded fears and stigmatising minors. There is no independently substantiated evidence of specific security risks associated with the planned relocation.
Facts: The number of people affected (eight), the current location in Avilés, the decision to drop the La Florida option in Oviedo, and the Principado de Asturias’s consideration of several alternatives have been confirmed. The timing of the move and the final addresses remain undecided. The government emphasises its duty of care towards minors and refers to child and youth welfare standards; Vox, by contrast, is calling for all locations considered to be made public.
Context and possible consequences: The dispute highlights the politicised nature of local accommodation issues in Spain. The administration must balance the public’s interest in information with the best interests of the child. For local politics in Oviedo and Avilés, the choice of destination may require neighbourhood dialogue and accompanying social work. Politically, Vox looks set to continue pressing the issue in the Junta General, while the government seeks to manage the matter administratively and with reference to data protection. The Principado de Asturias has not yet published forecasts for the timetable or any additional bed capacity.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).