Spain: the town of Roquetas de Mar rejects compulsory halal menus in schools,

The municipal council of Roquetas de Mar, a town in the province of Almería, adopted a motion opposing any “compulsory imposition” of halal menus in public establishments, particularly in school canteens. The text, initially proposed by Vox, a far-right Spanish party, then amended by the Popular Party (PP), a conservative right-wing party, was approved by the municipal majority. The deliberation affirms that the food supply must be based above all on nutritional and quality criteria, without being conditioned by specific religious certifications. The PP defends a position based on “individual freedom” and respect for local traditions.

The motion also plans to promote traditional Spanish gastronomy and support the national agri-food industry.

The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) strongly denounced this decision. Socialist municipal councilor Rafael Torres accuses the majority of “being carried away” by Vox’s speeches and of creating an artificial controversy likely to weaken local coexistence. The socialists recall that national legislation does not make any menu obligatory, but on the contrary guarantees the possibility of offering alternatives that respect beliefs or dietary needs (halal, vegetarian, gluten-free).