Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed its consular offices to remain operational over the weekend to meet the Supreme Court's deadline. By 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, they must submit a detailed list of the 163,020 individuals who gained Spanish nationality under the 'Grandchildren Law' but whose right to vote on November 29 has been temporarily suspended, as reported by EFE.
On Thursday, the Administrative Litigation Chamber issued two orders to ministers José Manuel Albares and Félix Bolaños, requiring the submission of this list. Failure to comply could result in fines of 1,000 euros, which may be repeated until the resolution is executed, and potential legal consequences for non-compliance.
The high court expressed bewilderment at the administration's failure to deliver the list 43 days after the initial resolution. "This nominal list, inexplicably not yet provided, is crucial for the proper formation of the Electoral Census," the court stated in its ruling.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the court warned that these individuals might ultimately be barred from exercising their voting rights due to administrative inaction.
In response to judicial pressure, the Foreign Ministry has canceled consular staff leave, approved all requests for additional resources, and mobilized embassy personnel. Ministry sources conveyed to EFE the urgency, stating, "It's imperative to provide the requested data within the deadline," labeling the task as both "urgent and a priority."
The list must also be submitted to the Central Electoral Board and the Electoral Census Office to correctly compile the census for the November 29 elections.
Complexities and Challenges in Reviewing Citizenship Applications
The verification process is particularly challenging because files of those nationalized between 2022 and 2024 need manual examination. Only applications processed in 2025 and 2026—about 70,000 individuals—are included in the digital system and already appear in the census. As of October 21, consulates had reviewed 31,390 files, merely 19% of the total, and issued only 91 certificates verifying family exile.
Cuba faces significant challenges due to this situation. The Spanish Consulate General in Havana is among the world's most overwhelmed, having received over 107,000 nationality requests in 2025 alone. It is estimated that over 350,000 Cubans began the process since the law took effect in October 2022.
Implications for Cuban Nationalized Spaniards
For Cuban nationals, the Supreme Court's measure does not revoke Spanish nationality or passports; it solely restricts the right to vote from abroad on November 29 via the absentee residents' census. Those residing in Spain can vote without restriction.
For those living in Cuba, participating in the elections requires the consulate to issue a certificate proving their Spanish ancestor's exile for political, ideological, religious, or sexual orientation reasons. The 2022 ministerial instruction's presumption of exile is insufficient. With only 91 certificates issued from over 31,000 reviewed files, the practical chances of voting from the island remain slim for most.
Minister Albares acknowledged on October 19 that it would be "very difficult" to verify the files on time, and the Directorate-General for Consular Affairs estimated the process would not be completed until "at least January."
The Constitutional Court recently rejected, by a 10-2 vote, an appeal from the Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, considering it premature while the Supreme Court proceedings remain open. The suspension, approved in September and reaffirmed in October, remains fully effective.
With general elections 35 days away and the judicial deadline approaching midweek, the government faces a race against time. The voting rights of over 163,000 new Spaniards—many of whom are Cuban—hinge on whether the consulates can complete a review process that, by their estimates, would take months.
FAQs: Spanish Citizenship and Voting Rights for Cuban Nationals
What is Spain's 'Grandchildren Law'?
The 'Grandchildren Law' allows descendants of Spanish nationals who fled Spain for political, ideological, religious, or sexual orientation reasons to acquire Spanish nationality.
How does the suspension of voting rights affect Cuban Spaniards?
The suspension affects Cuban Spaniards living abroad by preventing them from voting in the upcoming elections unless they receive a certification of family exile from the consulate.
Why are the consular offices working on weekends?
Consular offices are working over the weekend to comply with a Supreme Court deadline to submit a list of nationalized individuals with suspended voting rights.