Tens of Thousands Protest Across Spain Over Ceuta Border Crisis

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered across Spain on Wednesday to protest the central government’s handling of an ongoing border crisis in the North African exclave of Ceuta. The nationwide rallies, held on Ceuta’s annual official holiday, come amid intensifying political debate over migration control and border security.

Protests and Clashes in Major Cities

Demonstrations were reported in more than 200 cities and towns, including major regional capitals such as Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville, where marchers displayed Spanish flags. The events were officially organized by the nonpartisan Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces. Authorities estimated that approximately 50,000 people took part in the main demonstration in Madrid.

Following the end of the Madrid rally, an Associated Press journalist reported hearing shots and explosions. Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Separate counter-protests against racism were also held in several cities.

Political Clash Over Government Strategy

Opposition parties from the conservative and far-right blocs used the rallies to criticize Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s left-wing government, claiming his administration has adopted an appeasement policy toward Morocco.

Central government officials rejected allegations that Ceuta has been neglected. In a video message released Wednesday, Sanchez stated that his government was deploying all available resources to restore stability to Ceuta. The government also allocated €309 million ($357 million) this week toward security infrastructure and social services in the exclave, including housing for migrants.

Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres told Spanish National Radio that the demonstrations were politically motivated, arguing that the events were staged “to attack the government of Spain” rather than support the residents of Ceuta.

Conditions on the Ground in Ceuta

The crisis stems from late July, when a large number of migrants crossed the border from Morocco into Ceuta. Between 5,000 and 8,000 migrants remain in the territory, where local authorities are attempting to register, shelter, and process deportations for eligible individuals.

Many migrants, including unaccompanied minors, continue to stay on public streets and beaches. Nebil Tazi, a Moroccan migrant in Ceuta, told The Associated Press that those stranded have “been waiting for a month” for a resolution to their situation.

Juan Jesus Vivas, the top official in Ceuta, called on the central government in Madrid to reinforce border structures directly instead of relying solely on cooperation with Morocco. Vivas warned that without stronger defenses, migration would continue to be used “as a tool for political ends.”

Background

Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city located on the North African coast, sharing a land border with Morocco. Together with the nearby Spanish exclave of Melilla, it forms the only land border between the European Union and the African continent. Due to its location, Ceuta is a frequent focal point for migration into Europe, making border enforcement and bilateral relations between Spain and Morocco key issues in Spanish national politics.