The management of the migration crisis in Ceuta: a challenge for the Government

Three weeks after the avalanche of migrants across the Ceuta border, we still do not have any reliable information about who instigated the assault and what Morocco's role was. It is possible that we will not even know what has happened. But three weeks later, the Government's lack of reflexes is also evident.

The strategy of achieving mass return in the first days has given way to the realization that a few thousand (there is talk of 8,000, but no one knows the number) wander around a city of 80,000 inhabitants with no intention of returning, while the difficulty in discriminating cases and acting accordingly is noted. The inability of the Executive to convey a clear idea of ​​what it plans to do to resolve a situation that is unsustainable for the people of Ceuta and explosive for public opinion is surprising, especially when Pedro Sánchez has always highlighted his experience in exceptional situations.

The Government's position reflects the contradictions of the left regarding immigration. Two years ago, the CIS placed this phenomenon as its first concern for the first time. Since then it has remained in the top three positions. 30% of respondents cited it as their first concern, although only 13% admitted that it affected them personally. The qualitative leap is that many already blame migrants for other problems, such as the price of housing. For the PSOE it is an uncomfortable issue, since its voters oscillate between fear of the arrival of foreigners and willingness to welcome them. Some studies reveal that voters are less understanding than their parties on this issue. European socialists also experience this contradiction. Their differences are evident.

The worst thing for the Government is that it fails to send a clear message to any sector. Neither to those who want the expulsion of the migrants nor to those who are scandalized by the treatment that these people receive, thousands of them minors (many girls who long for a freedom that is forbidden to them, in addition to an economic future). The Government thus appears alone, without the support of a Europe leaning to the right and criticized by humanitarian organizations for the poor reception. Disoriented, it offers a feeling of inefficiency and wear and tear that will be difficult to get rid of.