The second "March for Dignity" marches through the center of the capital and demands general elections, while the protesters question the response of Pedro Sánchez's government to the migration crisis in Ceuta
Thousands of people are marching this Saturday through the streets of downtown Madrid in a mobilization called in support of Ceuta and to demand the calling of general elections. The so-called“March for Dignity. In defense of Spain” began at 10 in the morning at Plaza de Cibeles and is expected to end at the Arco de la Victoria, in Moncloa.
The number of participants is a matter of dispute. TheGovernment Delegation in Madrid estimates around 20,000 attendees, while the organizers have released significantly higher estimates. The march was called by Sociedad Civil Española, a platform that brings together more than 150 associations, and includes the participation of leaders from the Popular Party and Vox.
March in Madrid in support of Ceuta
One of the main reasons for the mobilization is the situation inCeuta, following the massive entry of illegal immigrants from Morocco at the end of July. The crisis continues nearly two months later, with thousands of people remaining in settlements or waiting to be transferred to other reception resources.
The protesters question the management of the government of Pedro Sánchez and demand measures to address the migratory situation. The manifesto of the call also demands general elections and raises the need to strengthen the state's response to the situation in Ceuta and Melilla.
During the march, the president of Vox, Santiago Abascal, and the secretary general of the Popular Party, Miguel Tellado, as well as other political leaders participated. Abascal accused the Executive of not having resolved the situation since the massive arrival of migrants in Ceuta, while Tellado demanded accountability from the Government for its actions during the crisis.
The president of VOX Santiago Abascal at a march against Pedro Sánchez
This Saturday's demonstration is the second large-scale mobilization linked to the Ceuta crisis. The first took place in May and also gathered tens of thousands of people, although attendance figures varied widely depending on the source.
The protest takes place while the political and judicial debate continues over the massive entry of illegal immigrants in Ceuta and the response of the Spanish authorities. An investigation by the National Court is analyzing the events that occurred during the arrival of thousands of people to the autonomous city.
