Ceuta witnessed one of Spain’s biggest demonstrations in years on Wednesday.
As tens of thousands of people took to the streets across the country over the ongoing border and humanitarian crisis in the Spanish territory.
The protests coincided with Ceuta’s annual official holiday, which was overshadowed this year by the fallout from the unprecedented influx of migrants into the North African enclave. Demonstrators accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government of mishandling the crisis and demanded stronger action to restore order at the border.
Authorities estimated that around 50,000 people gathered in Madrid, while large demonstrations were also reported in Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. Protesters carried Spanish flags and chanted slogans demanding tougher border controls and calling for Sánchez to resign.
Mass Border Crossing Sparks Crisis
The crisis erupted in late July when around 72,000 migrants attempted to enter Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco by swimming, climbing or forcing their way across the frontier. At least 90 people reportedly died during the mass crossing.
Although most migrants were subsequently returned or escorted back to Morocco, Spanish government figures indicate that roughly 5,000 people, including about 1,200 minors, remain in Ceuta.
The influx placed enormous pressure on the city’s limited resources. With a population of approximately 84,000, Ceuta struggled to provide accommodation and essential services for the thousands who remained.
Ceuta’s regional president, Juan Jesús Vivas, said the episode went beyond a conventional migration emergency.
“What happened was the violation of Spain’s territorial integrity,” Vivas said during an official ceremony marking the city’s holiday.
Political Fight Over Migration Policy
The crisis has become a major political issue, with Spain’s conservative Popular Party (PP) and far-right Vox using the situation to attack Sánchez’s left-wing government.
Although Wednesday’s demonstrations were formally organised by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces, the protests received strong backing from the PP and Vox.
Spain’s Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, accused the opposition of using the crisis for political purposes.
“This is not to show support for the city of Ceuta or its residents; it is to attack the government of Spain,” Torres said.
The central government has rejected allegations that it abandoned Ceuta and this week announced €309 million ($357 million) in assistance for the city. The funding will focus on areas including social services, housing for migrants, economic support and security.
Sánchez Faces Questions Over Border Breach
The Spanish government has also faced questions over whether Morocco could have done more to prevent the mass crossing.
Sánchez has defended Rabat, saying Moroccan authorities acted quickly to facilitate the return of most migrants. He has instead blamed misinformation and social media activity for helping trigger the rush towards the border.
The Spanish prime minister has alleged that accounts linked to Russia and Israel, as well as right-wing groups, amplified misinformation surrounding the crisis. Both Russia and Israel have rejected the accusations.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissed the claims, saying there was no evidence to substantiate them.
The Spanish government has not publicly provided specific examples of Russian or Israeli campaigns, instead referring to internal assessments by its Foreign Affairs Ministry and the European Commission’s diplomatic service.
Migrants Still Stranded In Ceuta
Weeks after the mass crossing, conditions remain difficult for many migrants, including unaccompanied minors. Some continue to sleep outdoors or camp along beaches as authorities work to provide shelter, register migrants and return those eligible to Morocco.
“We’re suffering and we want to get to Europe or find a solution right now,” Moroccan migrant Nebil Tazi told The Associated Press, describing the prolonged wait for a resolution.
Vivas has called for the border with Morocco to be strengthened and for Spain to reduce its reliance on cooperation with Rabat.
He warned that failing to reinforce the frontier could leave migration vulnerable to political exploitation.
Sánchez, meanwhile, said his government was deploying all available resources to help Ceuta return to normality and restore calm among residents.
The city’s Sept. 2 holiday commemorates the arrival of Portuguese forces in 1415. Ceuta later came under Spanish control in 1580 and traditionally marks the occasion with official ceremonies, concerts and cultural events. This year, however, the border crisis dominated the city’s attention.
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