Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended his government's response to the recent migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, asserting that the unprecedented influx of approximately 72,000 people was unforeseeable. Speaking in Spain's parliament, Sánchez dismissed accusations that the government was aware of the situation and failed to act, stating, "It's absurd to think that the government knew and did nothing."
The remarks came as thousands participated in protests across Spanish cities, organized by opposition parties critical of Sánchez's handling of the crisis. The government has faced mounting pressure over the management of the situation, which saw a significant number of migrants, including an estimated 1,400 children, arriving in Ceuta. While most have since been returned to Morocco, around 5,000 remain in the city.
Reports have suggested that Spanish officials received warnings about an increase in arrivals at Ceuta, partly due to a Spanish court ruling that some migrants may have misinterpreted as an assurance they would not be turned back if they swam across the border. However, Sánchez maintained that there was no evidence to suggest Morocco was directly behind the mass crossing and highlighted ongoing "close co-ordination" between the two nations.
A Spanish police report indicated "total permissiveness" by Moroccan security forces, though senior officials have clarified that this does not directly implicate Rabat. Sánchez also expressed his disapproval of