Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of Spain's Popular Party (PP), made a significant return to Ceuta yesterday, marking his second visit in just over two weeks. This time, he came with a resolute demand for the voluntary return or expulsion of all migrants who entered the autonomous city irregularly during the recent mass influx that overwhelmed the border. Feijóo characterized the government's response as 'irresponsible,' particularly three weeks into the crisis, and positioned his party as a viable alternative by asserting that Spain will not be subjected to 'blackmail or threats,' emphasizing that 'the Spanish identity of Ceuta and Melilla is non-negotiable.'
Calls for Complete Repatriation of Migrants
In light of recent support from the European Commission, which endorsed a community directive on returns and border management, the Popular Party has intensified its stance on the immigration crisis. This directive, as highlighted by sources in Genoa, provides the necessary legal framework and institutional backing to facilitate the returns of both adults and minors. Feijóo firmly stated that all individuals who crossed the border on the 30th and 31st must 'return to their country,' cautioning against the 'perverse precedent' of granting rights to those who have participated in what he described as an illegal invasion. He reiterated, 'Neither adults nor minors. They all must return,' urging the government to immediately activate the repatriation process and deploy all necessary immigration units from the mainland.
Feijóo did not hold back in criticizing the government’s foreign policy, indicating that the crisis in Ceuta is the most visible outcome of 'years of secret diplomacy' with Morocco. He accused the administration of having 'subcontracted the key to the southern border of Europe to the goodwill of Morocco,' calling this situation 'unacceptable.' He stressed that national security cannot hinge on a third country, asserting that while Spain seeks no enemies or conflicts, it will not tolerate threats. He called for a relationship with Morocco based on mutual respect and reciprocity, especially in light of recent comments from Moroccan officials regarding the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla.
Proposed Measures for Addressing the Crisis
In his comments, Feijóo intensified the rhetoric surrounding the crisis, stating that the breach of the border perimeter constituted an 'invasion in broad daylight' and criticized the central government for leaving over 80,000 Spaniards—referring to the local population of Ceuta—vulnerable. He voiced his solidarity with the residents, condemning the Moncloa's approach of treating the crisis as merely a 'summer episode,' dismissing it with social media updates or cultural recommendations while the situation in the city remains far from normal. According to his data, over 10,000 people still remain in Ceuta—contrary to the 2,500 reported in official assessments—leading him to label the normalization discourse as 'an insult to the intelligence of Ceutians.' He further warned of a potential triple crisis involving national security, public order, and public health, which could result in 'serious incidents' if the state does not act swiftly.
During his visit, Feijóo outlined a comprehensive action plan comprised of seven specific measures aimed at addressing the crisis effectively. These measures include establishing a unified command to coordinate police, assistance, and security responses; enforcing the expulsion or voluntary return of all individuals who entered illegally under the European directive; demanding respect, loyalty, and reciprocity from Morocco without compromising Spanish territorial integrity; utilizing all state resources and international alliances to safeguard the border; enhancing the inviolability of the perimeter through infrastructure, technology, human resources, and legal reforms; ensuring Ceuta's direct representation and dialogue within European Union institutions; and implementing an economic revitalization plan to restore the commercial and social fabric of the city.
As reported by lavanguardia.com.
