Spanish government spokesperson Elma Saiz declined to condemn Lleida mayor Fèlix Larrosa on Wednesday for his proposal to ban full-face veils in municipal buildings in Lleida, Catalonia. Saiz, who also serves as the Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, stated that the Spanish government "at all times" respects religious freedom. Speaking in the corridors of the Spanish Congress, Saiz added that the issue of full-face veils requires "calm analysis" and "much pedagogy." She emphasised the need to conduct these analyses "with the collectives, with the people who are most in contact with diversity in our country," and warned against "falling into demagoguery." ## Government Calls for Calm Analysis When asked directly if the Lleida mayor had made a mistake, the spokesperson avoided a direct 'yes' or 'no' answer. Instead, she urged that debates "move away from demagoguery and noise." Saiz concluded by stating her desire to "focus on the contribution, on the richness and diversity that our country has and the important contribution that the foreign population makes to Spain." Minister for Industry, Jordi Hereu, also commented on the Lleida mayor's proposal. He limited his remarks to showing "respect" for decisions made by individual municipalities. Hereu added that the Socialist Party (PSOE), to which both Larrosa and Hereu belong, has "always" been committed to "integrating from diversity." The discussion highlights ongoing debates surrounding religious attire and local governance in Spain.