80% of Canarians want migrants to learn Spanish to ‘fit in’
A new survey has revealed that 80.4% of Canarians believe migrants, of all nationalities, should commit to learning the language and adapting to Spain’s social norms, according to data from Gesop for Prensa Ibérica published by Europa Press.
Although this figure places the Canary Islands at the bottom of the regional list, the national average stands at 85.3%. The survey, based on 1,000 interviews, also found that 11.6% disagreed with the statement and 3.1% were undecided.
The results show little difference between men and women, but younger people and those with lower educational levels are the most supportive of requiring migrants to learn Spanish and follow local customs.
Among respondents aged 18 to 29, support rises to 92.3%, dropping slightly to 90.9% among those aged 30–44, 83.9% for the 45–59 group, and 80% among those over 60.
By education level, 88.3% of those with lower qualifications back such conditions on immigration, compared to 82.8% among those with higher education.
Regional differences were also evident: Catalonia recorded the strongest support, with 91.1% of residents agreeing migrants should learn the language and adapt, followed by Madrid (86.5%), Andalusia (82.6%), the Basque Country (81.3%), and the Canary Islands (80.4%).
Residents of medium-sized towns (10,000–100,000 inhabitants) were the most likely to hold this view, with over 87% in favour.
Political affiliation also influenced opinions. Vox and Partido Popular (PP) voters showed the highest support (both 94.4%), followed by PSOE supporters at 80.9%, with 15.3% opposed.
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