Sanchez pledges to restore normality in Ceuta after mass migrant arrivals
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged on Sunday to deploy “all the necessary resources” to restore normality in Ceuta and address the humanitarian crisis following the mass arrival of migrants from Morocco in late July.
Speaking at a Socialist event in Gava, near Barcelona, Sanchez reaffirmed his government's commitment to the Spanish enclave while criticising the opposition Popular Party and Vox over their response to the crisis.
“The Government of Spain is going to deploy all the necessary resources to restore normalcy to that autonomous city,” Sanchez said, adding that Ceuta would move forward with the government's “unwavering commitment”.
More than 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 and 31, according to Spanish government figures, although most later returned to Morocco.
Thousands remain in the enclave, with more than 1,000 minors reportedly without accommodation and around 3,000 other migrants camped on beaches.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Houthis claim missile and drone attacks on Riyadh and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia
A temporary reception centre at Ceuta's port, with capacity for about 1,700 people, filled shortly after opening on Friday. Spain's National Court has admitted a legal challenge over the use of the site but has allowed it to remain open while proceedings continue.
The Spanish government approved a €309 million emergency package on September 1, covering humanitarian reception, security, support for businesses and workers, and essential services.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
