In light of the ongoing migration crisis in Ceuta, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Spain in nationwide demonstrations advocating for the inclusion of the North African enclave as part of Spain, while vehemently opposing the government's immigration policies in Madrid. Protesters and speakers have accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's central government of pursuing a complacent policy towards Morocco and failing to provide adequate support for Ceuta. Although Morocco has long claimed sovereignty over Ceuta, as well as the other Spanish North African enclave, Melilla, it has not exerted significant pressure on this matter at present.
Opposition Leader Criticizes Government
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the Spanish opposition and a member of the conservative People's Party, has described the influx of migrants as an "invasion" orchestrated by Morocco. He has accused Sánchez and his administration of lying, claiming they denied having received any warning about the migration crisis and that Morocco had not instigated these events. Both assertions, according to Feijóo, are false.
During the demonstrations in Ceuta, thousands of participants waved Spanish flags and demanded a return to normalcy while insisting on the enclave's continued affiliation with Spain. Banners proclaimed, "Ceuta will not sell out, Ceuta will not surrender." According to government sources, at least 72,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta on July 30 and 31, and a month later, approximately 5,000 remained in the enclave. Many are living in makeshift camps on streets and beaches, creating significant strain for the local population of 83,000. The situation has led to recurring protests, some of which have escalated into violent confrontations against migrants and private aid organizations.
Legally, Spain is unable to deport migrants en masse and must consider each asylum application on an individual basis, a process that could take weeks or even months. Furthermore, the Spanish central government is reluctant to transfer these individuals to the mainland since Ceuta is not part of the Schengen Area, which means that other Schengen member states could impose border controls on Spain, as Italy has already done.
Far-Right Participation in Protests
The demonstrations, coinciding with the regional holiday in Ceuta, were organized by the FEMP, the umbrella organization of Spanish municipalities led by the conservative opposition party PP. The far-right party Vox also participated in the protests, with Madrid's mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, stating, "Ceuta is Spanish and will not be abandoned." According to the central government's representative, around 50,000 people attended the rally in Madrid, which was deemed the largest single event of the evening by a national court ruling from RTVE. PP general secretary Miguel Tellado reported approximately 2,000 demonstrations across Spain, reiterating calls for the government's resignation and fresh elections.
Conversely, counter-demonstrations took place in several cities, including Barcelona and Bilbao, where participants voiced their opposition to racism, carrying banners that read, "No human is illegal."
As reported by handelsblatt.com.
