Key facts
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez denied any Moroccan government involvement in the Ceuta migrant surge.
- Sánchez stated that no Spanish institution, diplomatic service, or international body provided evidence of Morocco planning the incident.
- He reaffirmed Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, condemning recent "unacceptable statements" from Moroccan ministers.
- Sánchez admitted the government's handling of the crisis was "insufficient" but claimed authorities could not have anticipated the scale of the influx.
- Spain summoned Morocco's ambassador to protest the sovereignty claims.
- Sánchez appealed for European solidarity regarding the migrant crisis.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has denied any evidence that Morocco planned or facilitated the mass migrant surge into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in late July. Speaking in parliament, Sánchez stated that no Spanish institution, diplomatic service, or international body had provided solid evidence of Moroccan involvement, despite a police report suggesting otherwise. He reaffirmed Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, condemning "unacceptable statements" made by Moroccan ministers asserting claims over the territories.
Sánchez acknowledged that the government's handling of the crisis was "insufficient" but argued that authorities could not have anticipated the scale of the influx, which occurred over a 10-hour period on July 30. He also denied receiving prior warnings about the event. The Prime Minister defended Spain's cooperation with Morocco in returning most migrants, while also summoning Morocco's ambassador to protest the sovereignty claims.
The crisis has led to significant political pressure on Sánchez, with protests against his government's handling of the situation. Opposition leaders, including Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the People's party and Santiago Abascal of Vox, have criticized his leadership. Sánchez appealed for European solidarity, seemingly addressing countries like Italy and Denmark that had publicly criticized Spain's response.
Despite the return of most migrants, thousands, including hundreds of minors, are believed to remain in Ceuta. Sánchez emphasized that migrants have rights under Spanish, European, and international law, and that facilities would likely be invested in within Ceuta to accommodate them rather than transferring them to the mainland.