The Catalonian government is confident that the region will soon reach ten million inhabitants, prompting preparations for public services and infrastructure to accommodate this demographic leap. This vision, repeatedly expressed by Territory Minister Sílvia Paneque, has met significant resistance, especially from the far right, who argue against the "denaturalization" of the country, primarily driven by immigration, under the guise of sustainability concerns. Aliança Catalana leader Sílvia Orriols challenges the government to recognize resource limitations.

The government's projection highlights a current shortfall in satisfying the population's needs, with significant difficulties in housing access and public transport reliability. Catalonia was designed for six million people, yet it now supports eight and anticipates reaching ten million soon. This figure was celebrated back in 1987, yet recent announcements of surpassing eight million have been met with less enthusiasm.

The question remains: is the ten million mark imminent? According to Idescat's latest population projections, reaching ten million by 2052 is only plausible in their highest scenario, which experts deem unlikely. This would require sustained intense migration growth, historically driven by economic cycles and conditions in migrants' home countries.

Planning for the future to avoid current system strains is crucial. The government aims to address needs across health, education, housing, resources, and infrastructure, with the outdated 1995 Plan Territorial General de Catalunya needing revision. Jordi Terrades from the Department of Territory, Housing, and Ecological Transition emphasizes this necessity.

Some infrastructures conceived in the past are now complete, yet the country has evolved rapidly. Terrades criticizes the use of degrowth rhetoric as an excuse to oppose immigration, advocating for a sustainable workforce regardless of origin.

Sociologist Mariña Couceiro from the Cipriano García Foundation highlights immigration's vital role in Catalonia's labor market revitalization, contributing to 26% of employment. Despite challenges, the economic and social impact of immigration is positive, with the entire net growth in active population attributed to foreign-born individuals.

Jaume Grau of Ecologistas en Acción warns of resource limits and labels some anti-immigration arguments as "ecofascism." He stresses equitable resource distribution to ensure dignified living, noting population growth challenges, particularly in housing.

CED researcher Juan Antonio Módenes underscores the need for housing growth to match population increases, suggesting the construction of 600,000 new homes over 30 years. Despite obstacles, Módenes sees this as feasible.

Transport remains a pressing issue, with current infrastructure insufficient for eight million residents. Joan Carles Salmerón from Terminus-Centre d’Estudis del Transport advocates for urgent planning to address future needs and territorial imbalances, promoting regional population growth with enhanced rail networks.