Prime minister champions migration in stance at odds with many European neighbours increasingly hostile to newcomers

Spain plans to make it easier for newcomers to settle in the country, its prime minister has said, in remarks that touted migration as a potent tool to protect prosperity and set out an approach that sharply contrasts with much of Europe’s attitude towards migrants.

“Spain needs to choose between being an open and prosperous country or a closed-off, poor country,” Pedro Sánchez told the country’s parliament on Wednesday. “It’s as simple as that.”