The protests target the government of Pedro Sánchez, who is accused of pursuing a policy of appeasement toward Morocco and failing to help Ceuta. In Ceuta, thousands demanded a return to normality and the enclave’s continued status as part of Spain.
According to a report by El País, the National Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse extremist groups gathered near the Congress of Deputies in Madrid. Four demonstrators, including two minors, were arrested for rioting and resisting authority. Four police officers were also injured.
According to official figures, around 50,000 people took part in the rally in Madrid, with protests also held in other cities. In some cities, such as Barcelona and Bilbao, there were counter-demonstrations. “No human being is illegal,” read banners there.
The protests on the day of Ceuta’s regional holiday were called by the FEMP, the Spanish federation of municipalities, which is led by the conservative opposition People’s Party (PP). Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo (PP) spoke of an “invasion” by migrants, behind which he said Morocco stands. PP Secretary-General Miguel Tellado again called for the government’s resignation and new elections. The far-right Vox party also took part in the demonstrations.
Authorities in Ceuta accused the Spanish central government of ignoring warning signs ahead of the border crossings. “What happened to us was not a migration crisis,” said Ceuta’s administrative chief, Juan Jesús Vivas. “What happened was a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.”
Spain’s government recently approved a €309 million aid package for Ceuta. Spanish minister Ángel Víctor Torres questioned the stated motivation behind the protests on Spanish radio. “This is not about showing support for the city of Ceuta or its residents; it is about attacking the Spanish government,” Torres said.
Source: Tagesschau
