Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez Insists There Were No Prior Warnings
Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez Insists There Were No Prior Warnings
Key Highlights
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said no-one foresaw the influx of 72,000 migrants in the exclave of Ceuta, as pressure mounts over his handling of the crisis.
- "It's absurd to think that the government knew and did nothing," Sánchez told Spain's parliament on Thursday, hours after tens of thousands of people joined protests across the country backed Sánchez also maintained there was no evidence Morocco was behind the mass crossing and there had been "close co-ordination" between the two countries.
- A Spanish police report has highlighted the "total permissiveness" of Moroccan security forces, although senior officials insist it does not point the finger at Rabat.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has acknowledged the surprise influx of 72,000 migrants in Ceuta, sparking widespread protests across Spain.
The sudden arrival has left many questioning how the government could have anticipated such a massive crisis, with Sánchez describing it as "absurd to think that the government knew and did nothing."
Sánchez maintained that there was no evidence to suggest Morocco was behind the mass crossing, despite reports of "total permissiveness" from Moroccan security forces. However, he acknowledged that there had been close co-ordination between the two countries.
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The situation in Ceuta has become a major political challenge for Sánchez's government, with many Spaniards taking to the streets to express their discontent. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused the government of lying and covering up the crisis, calling for Sánchez's resignation.
Spain's handling of the migrant influx has angered some European partners, including Italy, which responded to the crisis
The large turnout for protests in Madrid and other cities on Wednesday underlined the pressure Sánchez is under domestically. While the demonstrations were ostensibly held to express support for the people of Ceuta, they also reflected public anger at the ongoing crisis.
Sánchez has been careful not to criticise Morocco, instead sticking to "proven, verified facts." However, he did complain of "unacceptable" statements from Rabat, and highlighted close co-ordination with Moroccan authorities over the return of migrants.
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The situation in Ceuta has developed into a complex humanitarian and logistical crisis, with many interpreting the police report pointing to the role of Moroccan security forces as reinforcing concerns about Morocco's track record on using its border with Spain as leverage.
Despite the challenges, Sánchez praised the response of Ceuta police, who chose to defend human life rather than the border. He also highlighted close co-operation with Moroccan authorities over the return of over 90% of migrants in just 72 hours.
As Sánchez addressed the "difficult times" faced " However, critics continue to point fingers at Rabat, with many accusing the government of not doing enough to address the crisis.
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