Concerns Over Migration and Sovereignty

Mercedes Gallego, a lifelong resident of Ceuta, has expressed her strong belief that the people of Ceuta have long lived "under the yoke" of King Mohammed VI's regime. In an interview featured on the program Salvados, she articulated her perspective, stating, "I believe this is orchestrated by Morocco." Gallego's comments come in light of recent events, including a significant influx of migrants into Ceuta, which she characterizes not as a migration crisis or invasion, but rather as an "indirect invasion." This distinction highlights her concerns regarding the sovereignty and security of her home city.

During the program, Gallego sat alongside three fellow Ceutíes and Ángel Víctor Torres, the head of the crisis response team. As a central figure in the discussion, Gallego did not shy away from making pointed accusations against Morocco in front of the Minister of Territorial Policy. She asserted, "I consider this to be orchestrated by Morocco, because we are from Ceuta. My generation and my parents' generation have borne the burden of Morocco's influence." Her statements were made in response to comments from two Moroccan ministers, who claimed that following the mass entry of migrants on July 30 and 31, Ceuta belongs to Morocco.

Government Response to the Crisis

Reflecting on the overwhelming arrival of 80,000 individuals, Gallego conveyed her immediate feelings of uncertainty. She recalled a previous incident in 2021 when 20,000 migrants entered Ceuta, noting that authorities quickly informed them that the majority were minors. In contrast, Torres, the territorial minister, has called for caution in making accusations against Morocco, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good relations with the neighboring country. Recent reports from Spain's National Intelligence Center (CNI) have indicated that Morocco was "aware" of the potential dangers posed by the mass entry into Ceuta but opted for a "passive response." Torres made it clear that the majority of those who arrived from Morocco will need to return, as they lack international protection, stating, "We must be clear with them."

As reported by lasexta.com.