Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has defended his government’s response to the migration crisis in Ceuta, where around 80,000 migrants attempted to enter the Spanish territory at the end of July.
During an hour-long interview with state television, Sanchez said Spain must improve its preparedness for what he described as “hybrid attacks.”
He pointed to the unique position of Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish autonomous cities that share borders with Africa, describing their location as a “very, very important uniqueness.”
Sánchez has faced growing criticism over the prolonged humanitarian situation in Ceuta, where the arrival of thousands of migrants has raised concerns among residents in the small territory, which lacks the capacity to accommodate such a large influx.
The prime minister acknowledged the need for “larger reception infrastructures for migrants arriving”.
He also defended Spain’s intelligence services over their ability to anticipate the scale of the migration influx, while admitting that forecasting the numbers is one of the “elements we need to improve.”
Sanchez confirmed that King Felipe VI plans to visit Ceuta but did not provide a specific date for the trip.
Migrants Remain in Makeshift Beach Camp
For about a month, migrants have been staying in makeshift tents along a beach in Ceuta, where they reportedly receive only around one meal each day from the Red Cross.
The camp has also become a focal point for protests, with demonstrators calling for the migrants to be removed from the territory.
Protesters have been gathering for several weeks, accusing the Spanish government of failing to properly manage the situation and adequately respond to the growing humanitarian crisis.
The controversy has placed additional pressure on Sanchez’s government as it seeks to balance border security, humanitarian concerns and the challenges of managing migration in Ceuta and Melilla.
