Thousands Protest Migrant Crisis in Madrid, Criticize Government

Approximately 50,000 people gathered in central Madrid to protest the government's handling of a migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Demonstrators expressed solidarity with Ceuta's residents and authorities, while also criticizing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's administration.

The protest featured prominent right-wing politicians, including Vox leader Santiago Abascal and People's Party head Alberto Núñez Feijóo. Abascal accused Sánchez of "betrayal" and suggested the Spanish government was acting in Morocco's interests. Feijóo, in turn, blamed Morocco for orchestrating the influx of tens of thousands of migrants into Ceuta and called for the Spanish ambassador to Morocco to be recalled for consultations.

Prior to the main demonstration, isolated incidents occurred involving journalists covering the event. Later, police dispersed a group of several hundred protesters using tear gas and rubber bullets. Some demonstrators moved towards the Spanish Congress building, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Four individuals, including two minors, were arrested, and two police officers sustained injuries.

The crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish city on the northern coast of Africa, saw a massive influx of migrants in late July. The Spanish government has attributed the crisis's escalation to disinformation campaigns, which Sánchez claims involved Russian and Israeli entities. A report by the European External Action Service noted that Russian networks amplified the crisis narrative after it had already begun.

In response to the crisis and its aftermath, Spanish authorities have allocated over 300 million euros to support Ceuta.