Protests in Spain over government's handling of Ceuta migrant crisis

Thousands of people across Spain have taken to the streets in protest over the government's management of the migrant crisis at Ceuta, a Spanish exclave on the north African coast. Opposition parties allege Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has neglected the city's residents, while the government claims right-wing parties are capitalizing on the situation.

A police report from Wednesday alleged Moroccan security forces had been permissive during the unprecedented influx, following Sánchez's insistence that Morocco was not at fault. He has blamed trafficking gangs and misinformation on social media for encouraging the crossings. Morocco has denied involvement in the mass migration.

At least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, with up to 5,000 remaining in makeshift camps or scattered across the city. Demonstrations have erupted in cities across Spain, led by opposition parties including the conservative Partido Popular (PP) and far-right Vox party, which govern or have significant support in certain areas.

PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo attended a rally in Madrid with over 50,000 attendees, while Vox leader Santiago Abascal accused Sánchez of being a lackey to the Moroccan regime. A city official in Ceuta stated the government's response has been inadequate, late, and shows a complete disregard for their duty.