More than 80,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta at the end of July, and Pedro Sánchez is appearing before Congress to explain his government’s handling of the influx. The Prime Minister faces criticism over the response and a police report pointing to Moroccan agents’ involvement in the border breach.
Protests in support of Ceuta have quickly turned into rallies against the government. Opposition parties and local groups are demanding accountability, with some calling for Sánchez to step down. Many in Ceuta say the government acted too slowly and provided too little support, leaving thousands of new arrivals scattered across the city and straining local services. Residents report growing anxiety as the situation drags on.
El Constitucional reported that around 5,000 migrants, including approximately 1,200 minors, were still in Ceuta after the basic wave was returned to Morocco following July 30 and 31.
On July 30 and 31, tens of thousands crossed from Morocco, many swimming into Spanish territory. Local authorities were overwhelmed, leaving Ceuta with a humanitarian and logistical crisis. The police report claims Moroccan agents helped help the mass entry, fueling public anger and complicating relations with Morocco.
Calls for political responsibility have come from across the spectrum. The Partido Popular (PP) demanded that Sánchez appear in Congress, and the Prime Minister himself requested the session, underscoring the crisis’s seriousness. The debate has exposed deep divisions, with the PSOE and PP trading blame over the response and the motives behind the protests. As reported earlier, the PSOE has accused the PP of using the unrest for political advantage, further polarizing the situation.
The government says it is working to restore order and support Ceuta, but the city remains tense. Thousands of migrants are still there, and local officials warn that the situation cannot continue without immediate help from Madrid. The police report has intensified scrutiny of the Spanish and Moroccan governments, raising questions about border security and cooperation between the two countries.
France24 reported that estimates of the July influx vary widely: some sources cite over 70,000 crossings, while others put the figure above 80,000. The gap reflects impressive discrepancies between official and local counts. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has denied that any police report formally blames Moroccan state structures, saying internal communications do not establish government involvement.
The crisis has exposed weaknesses in Spain’s border management and the fragile relationship with Morocco. The slow response and ongoing political disputes have eroded public trust, leaving Ceuta’s residents to deal with the consequences. Without clear action and communication from Madrid, the situation risks becoming a lasting source of tension in Spanish politics.
