Vox moves to block Seville mosque project as foundation awaits building permit, citing fears of 'Islamization of neighborhoods'
Andalusia's far-right Vox party has announced legal and political actions to stop a planned 15-million-euro Islamic cultural centre in Seville's Polígono Sur, while the foundation behind the project says it expects to receive its building permit within days.
Political offensive
Vox spokesman in Andalusia Manuel Gavira said on Wednesday that the party's legal services are studying measures to prevent construction of the new mosque, arguing it would contribute to the "Islamization of neighborhoods." Gavira, who will become regional vice-president and councillor for Tourism, Deregulation, Justice and Local Administration under the new PP-Vox government, vowed to pursue "all judicial, political and administrative actions" to stop the project.
We are going to take all judicial, political and administrative actions necessary so that this does not happen.
He compared the mosque to centres for unaccompanied foreign minors, saying politicians who support such facilities "do not live near" them. Gavira also suggested that those who criticised the PP-Vox coalition agreement for removing Arabic culture classes from Andalusian schools now have a place to learn about these subjects.
The project
The Islamic cultural centre is promoted by the private Fundación Mezquita de Sevilla on a 2,500-square-metre triangular plot between Victoria Domínguez Cerrato, Poeta Manuel Benítez Carrasco and Ronda Nuestra Señora de la Oliva. The design, by architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra, includes a 400-square-metre prayer hall, a minaret, andalusí latticework inspired by the Giralda, and a medical facility with "special attention" to the Muslim population. Total budget is 15 million euros.
In law and right it must be granted; not doing so would be an administrative anomaly.
Jalid Nieto, vice-president of the foundation's board, told Europa Press that the project has been reviewed by the municipal manager and technician and that there is "no loophole to deny it." The foundation plans to issue a public statement in the coming days after consulting its board and legal advisors.
Permit status
ABC reported that the Urbanism management granted the licence on Tuesday 7 July. However, the foundation says it is still waiting for the Urbanism commission to meet, possibly this Friday, before the permit is finalised. Works are scheduled to begin by the end of 2026, with completion expected between 18 months and three years later.
- Urbanism management grants licence, according to ABC
- Urbanism commission expected to meet and finalise permit
- Construction scheduled to begin
- Projected completion, 18 months to 3 years after start
Local reaction
Jaime Bretón, commissioner for the Polígono Sur district, told ABC that there is "no unease or concern" among residents about the mosque. He stressed that religious freedom must be respected and that "a space should not be linked to violence just because it is Muslim."
Everything that takes advantage of empty lots that end up being dust in summer and mud in winter for commercial and educational uses seems good to me.
The neighbourhood association Entre Amigos said it is not closely following the issue and has no formed opinion among the families it works with. The plot was previously considered for a Jehovah's Witnesses temple before the foundation purchased it.
