Alberto Núñez Feijóo, president of the Partido Popular (PP), used the opening of the political season in Cotobade, Pontevedra, to sharply criticize Pedro Sánchez’s government over its handling of the Ceuta crisis. Speaking to local supporters, Feijóo outlined three immediate steps the PP would take in response to what he described as government inaction and neglect of Ceuta’s interests.
The first measure is a nationwide rally on September 2, with gatherings planned in every municipality to show solidarity with Ceuta. Feijóo confirmed he would attend the basic event in Ceuta that evening, emphasizing that the city is as much a part of Spain as any other region. The second step is to summon Esperanza Casteleiro, director of the National Intelligence Centre, to the Senate, where the PP holds a majority, to give a full account of the situation. The third is the PP’s formal participation in the ongoing legal proceedings at the Audiencia Nacional, seeking to hold those responsible for Ceuta’s abandonment accountable in court.
Delivered in the symbolic Carballeira de San Xusto, Feijóo’s speech opened what he called “the year of change in government.” Local officials voiced confidence that Feijóo would return next year as Spain’s prime minister. Among them were mayor Jorge Cubela and provincial president Luis López; Galicia’s regional president Alfonso Rueda also expressed support. The PP leader focused on two basic themes: the Ceuta crisis and the upcoming elections. He repeatedly blamed Sánchez and his administration for failing to act on issues ranging from wildfires and medical strikes to inflation and infrastructure problems.
Feijóo argued that the events in Ceuta point to a government in collapse. He contrasted the actions of Ceuta’s president, Juan Jesús Vivas, whom he praised for stepping up during the crisis, with what he described as the central government’s absence. He did not address recent violent incidents or Morocco’s role in the conflict, focusing instead on accountability and decisive leadership. Feijóo called on voters to give the PP a clear mandate in the next general elections, insisting that only a strong result would prevent those who lost from governing.
Feijóo spoke after a week of intense debate in Congress. The final session, scheduled for Thursday, will feature Sánchez himself. The PP’s developing stance on the crisis, including its recent condemnation of violence in Ceuta, was highlighted in a recent report on the party’s call for calm. Feijóo presented himself as ready to “rebuild Spain,” urging a massive turnout to end “sanchismo” at the ballot box. He said he would not avoid problems or offer empty promises, but would provide honest leadership focused on real change.
Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast, often at the center of debates over migration and border security. The current crisis has reignited national discussions about Spain’s territorial integrity and the government’s crisis management. The PP’s actions and rhetoric signal a strategic push to capitalize on public dissatisfaction ahead of local and general elections, as Feijóo seeks to channel frustration and hope into electoral momentum.
