Thousands Rally in Madrid to Condemn Spanish Government's Handling of Ceuta Migrant Crisis

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in the Spanish capital to protest the government’s migration policies and its response to a recent surge of arrivals in the North African enclave of Ceuta. The Saturday protest in Madrid was organized by the right-wing civil society group Sociedad Civil Espanola and received backing from both the mainstream conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox.

Government officials estimated the turnout at 20,000 people, whereas organizers claimed 180,000 attendees. The demonstration follows an incident in late July when more than 70,000 migrants crossed from neighboring Morocco into the autonomous Spanish city of Ceuta. While most were subsequently returned, thousands remain stranded.

Protesters accused Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his administration of failing to secure the borders of Ceuta and demanded an early election by mid-November. Meanwhile, Vox demanded that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez face trial for treason, despite Spain's next general election not being scheduled until August 2027.

Miguel Tellado, the secretary-general of the People’s Party (PP), criticized the administration's actions, stating there was a widespread feeling of extreme negligence and a dereliction of duty. He emphasized that Spanish society must urge the government to protect the nation's territorial integrity.

The late July surge resulted in unprecedented scenes and dozens of migrant fatalities. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that Moroccan border control failed to manage the situation adequately, noting that an investigation is ongoing and Rabat has been asked for answers.

The Spanish government estimates that between 6,000 and 10,000 stranded migrants remain in Ceuta. Vox leader Santiago Abascal called for the immediate deportation of everyone who arrived during the late July influx, accusing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of acting as Morocco’s servant.

According to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, the administration is reportedly planning to approve a decree to expedite the return of migrants from Ceuta to Morocco. This event marks the second demonstration held under the March for Dignity banner, following a previous rally in late May.