Thousands of people have gathered in protests across Spain over the migrant crisis, slamming the Ceuta 'invasion'. Demonstrators marched on the streets over the government's handling of the influx of migrants arriving in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta on the north African coast.
Opposition accuses government of abandoning Ceuta
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been accused by opposition parties of abandoning the residents of Ceuta. The government, however, has claimed that right-wing parties are exploiting the crisis.
Sánchez has insisted that Morocco was not responsible, blaming trafficking gangs and online misinformation for encouraging people to cross the border. A police report on Wednesday said that Moroccan security forces showed "total permissiveness" during the mass crossing. Morocco has denied orchestrating or being involved in the influx.
Thousands remain in makeshift camps
On July 30 and 31, at least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta. Although most have returned, around 5,000 remain in camps on the city's streets or beach, causing unrest in the city, reports the BBC. Protests have taken place on a near-daily basis. On Wednesday, the protests were called by city councils where opposition parties are in charge or have significant popularity.
During the protests, organised by the conservative Partido Popular (PP) and the far-right Vox party, protestors called on Sánchez to resign.
Major rally in Madrid
More than 50,000 people gathered at the rally in Madrid, according to government figures. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo was in attendance and said: "A Spanish city has been invaded, occupied and, unfortunately, this happened with the knowledge of the Government of Spain."
Vox leader Santiago Abascal also said Sánchez was "at the service, like a lackey, of the Moroccan regime". In Ceuta itself residents chanted: "Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta must be defended."
Police report and diplomatic tensions
A report submitted by the National Police's National Immigration and Borders Centre (CENIF) pointed towards the involvement of Moroccan gendarmes in the migrant crossings, henceforth placing further pressure on the government. Despite this claim, the report did not categorically accuse Morocco of being behind the crossings.
Ceuta continues to be a flashpoint in diplomatic relations between Morocco and Spain, as Morocco has a long-standing claim over the city. The crossing has been portrayed recently as safe and easy, but figures from the mayor show that at least 100 people died while trying to swim around the border fence. According to local media, messages circulated on social media encouraging people to attempt the crossing ahead of the influx.
