Minister Denies Existence of an Intellectual Author Behind Migrant Influx
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has strongly denied any claims regarding the existence of an "intellectual author" responsible for the massive influx of over 72,000 migrants into Ceuta at the end of July. Speaking at a press conference on the summer traffic incident report by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), Marlaska reiterated his confidence in Morocco, emphasizing that cooperation and coordination between Spain and Morocco remain excellent across various sectors. When pressed by journalists regarding the reports sent to the National Court from both the National Intelligence and Border Center (CENIF) and the Civil Guard, which indicated the involvement of Moroccan gendarmes, he clarified that there is no substantial evidence to support any allegations implicating Morocco or any specific individual as the mastermind behind the crisis.
Marlaska stated, "To this day, there is no element based on minimally logical, reasonable, and objective facts that indicates intervention from Morocco or any other state, nor from any specific agent or individual as the intellectual author of the Ceuta crisis." This statement aligns with remarks made by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Congress. The Interior Minister emphasized the importance of respecting judicial investigations and police analyses, which must consider all images and data within their proper context, as there are varying interpretations of the situation.
Defending Police Integrity and Addressing Political Criticism
In light of inquiries about whether General Luis Peláez of the Civil Guard's Information Service ordered the removal of any references to Morocco from the report submitted to Judge María Tardón of the National Court, Marlaska dismissed these claims as baseless, stating, "I consider it a hoax, a falsehood; it shows a lack of understanding of the DAO, General Peláez, and the Civil Guard." Furthermore, Marlaska criticized the strategy of the Popular Party's president, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, declaring, "This country needs serious politicians. Those who are not here to help should better stay at home," in response to Feijóo's comments about the President of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, allegedly having thwarted a plan involving concessions from Sánchez's government to Morocco.
The Interior Minister also highlighted that 90% of those who entered Ceuta returned within 24 hours, underscoring this as a clear indication of Morocco's cooperation. He noted that Morocco continues to accept all migrants who willingly approach the border seeking to return to their home country, with over 4,200 individuals having been returned since August 10. For the remaining migrants in Ceuta, Marlaska affirmed that the government will apply legislation "in its literal sense," stating that anyone without the right to international protection will be returned promptly.
As reported by elmundo.es.
