Numerous Spanish cities became the scene this Wednesday of massive mobilizations against the government of socialist Pedro Sánchez, on the occasion of Ceuta Day, following the migrant invasion recorded in that city.
Thousands of citizens participated in the gatherings called by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) to express their support for the autonomous city in light of the migrant crisis and demand solutions after the massive entry of illegal Moroccan immigrants.
The protests had replicas in different parts of the country and were supported by the Popular Party (PP) and Vox. Madrid was one of the main focal points of the mobilizations, where the leaders of both parties, Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Santiago Abascal, participated.
In the capital, the call took on a strong political dimension. The gathering extended through Cibeles Square, the start of Gran Vía, and the promenades of Prado and Recoletos.
According to the Government Delegation, about 50,000 people participated in the mobilization, which, in addition to expressing solidarity with Ceuta, showed rejection of the management of socialist Pedro Sánchez.
The event, initially intended as an institutional show of support for the autonomous city, ended up becoming a protest against the Government. At the end of the gathering, attendees demanded political changes, shouting “We want to vote, we want to vote!”.
Barcelona was also the scene of mobilizations in Sant Jaume Square. There, thousands of demonstrators called by PP and Vox attended the mobilization.
The massive protests
Ceuta itself also recorded a massive mobilization in the streets during the day. The FEMP's call aimed to show support for the city's population after the situation recorded since July 30, when the massive entry of undocumented individuals occurred, along with the nonexistent response from Sánchez's Government.
The protests also reached the Canary Islands. Thousands of people demonstrated in municipalities such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to show their solidarity with Ceuta and demand greater border protection.
In Alicante, the gathering held in the Town Hall Square also left one of the central slogans of the day: “Defending Ceuta and Melilla is defending our security and our coexistence.” The phrase was repeated from the stage by people of Ceutí origin residing in the city.
Thus, Ceuta Day was the scene of massive demonstrations in different parts of Spain, gathering thousands of citizens in support of the autonomous city and in response to the migrant crisis.
