Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the government did not foresee the influx of 72,000 migrants into the exclave of Ceuta, as criticism mounts regarding his handling of the situation. "It's absurd to think that the government knew and did nothing," Sánchez said during a parliamentary session on Thursday, following protests across the country supported by opposition parties. Sánchez maintained that there was no evidence implicating Morocco in the mass crossing and emphasized the "close co-ordination" between Spain and Morocco. A Spanish police report indicated the "total permissiveness" of Moroccan security forces, although officials clarified it did not directly blame Rabat.
While most migrants have been returned to Morocco, approximately 5,000 remain on the streets and beaches of Ceuta, including around 1,400 children. Reports have emerged suggesting that Spanish officials were warned of a potential increase in sea arrivals following a court ruling that many migrants misinterpreted as a guarantee against pushbacks if they swam across the border. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused the government of dishonesty and called for Sánchez's resignation.
The situation has also strained Spain's relationships with European partners, leading Italy to impose border restrictions on arrivals from Spain. The protests in Madrid and other cities highlighted the domestic pressure Sánchez faces, with demonstrators expressing both support for Ceuta and frustration with the government's response to the crisis.
The migrant situation has evolved from a humanitarian issue to a significant political challenge for Sánchez. He has attempted to balance defending Spain's relationship with Morocco while addressing sovereignty claims made by Morocco regarding Ceuta and Melilla. Sánchez has refrained from criticizing Rabat but expressed discontent with statements made by Moroccan ministers about the two cities.
Sánchez characterized the events as a complex episode involving multiple actors and interests, attributing part of the crisis to misinformation spread via social media. He has previously cited trafficking gangs as contributors to the situation, while also addressing the humanitarian and administrative challenges faced by Ceuta's residents. He praised local police for prioritizing human life during the influx and highlighted the cooperation with Moroccan authorities in returning over 90% of the migrants within 72 hours. Sánchez reiterated that the crisis was fueled by hoaxes and rumors on social media, distancing the government from allegations of state involvement from other countries.