Large-scale demonstrations took place throughout Spain on Wednesday as citizens voiced frustration over the government's response to a significant influx of migrants into Ceuta. The protests, organized in regions where the conservative Partido Popular (PP) and the far-right Vox party hold influence, saw tens of thousands of participants calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The unrest follows a period in late July when approximately 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish territory. While the majority have since returned, an estimated 5,000 individuals remain in the city, leading to local instability. Demonstrators in Ceuta and mainland Spain have demanded that these migrants be repatriated or relocated to other parts of the country.

Political opposition leaders have sharply criticized the administration. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who attended a major rally in Madrid, accused the government of failing to protect the border. Meanwhile, Vox leader Santiago Abascal alleged that the government had failed to act decisively regarding Morocco. In Ceuta, residents expressed feelings of abandonment, with teacher David Hernandez stating, "The response has been inadequate, late and, to top it all, has involved a complete dereliction of duty on the part of the government."

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The political pressure on Prime Minister Sánchez has been compounded by a recent report from the National Police’s National Immigration and Borders Centre (CENIF). The document suggested that Moroccan security forces exhibited a "passive attitude" during the border crossings, noting a smaller-than-usual police presence. While the government has previously attributed the crisis to human trafficking gangs and online misinformation, Morocco has denied any involvement in orchestrating the event.

The border between Morocco and the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla remains a sensitive diplomatic issue. Fact-checkers have noted that social media campaigns encouraging the crossing intensified following a June ruling by Spain's Supreme Court, despite the significant dangers associated with the journey.

Source: BBC News