Tens of thousands protest across Spain over Ceuta border crisis

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Spain on Wednesday to protest the ongoing border crisis in Ceuta and criticize Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s left-wing government over its handling of the situation.

The protests coincided with Ceuta’s annual official holiday, which is normally marked with celebrations. But this year, the holiday took place against the backdrop of Spain’s ongoing border chaos.

Authorities said around 50,000 people joined the rally in Madrid. Spain’s territorial policy minister, Angel Victor Torres, told Spanish National Radio that the protests were politically motivated.

"This is not to show support for the city of Ceuta or its residents; it is to attack the government of Spain," Torres said.

The government has rejected claims that it has abandoned Ceuta. This week, it allocated €309 million ($357 million) to support the city’s social services, including migrant housing, as well as its security infrastructure.

Police action after rallies to disperse crowds

After the Madrid demonstration ended, an Associated Press journalist reported hearing shots and explosions. Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds.

There were also large turnouts in Barcelona, Valencia and Seville, where demonstrators waved Spanish flags. The protests in Madrid and more than 200 other cities and towns were officially organized by the nonpartisan Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces.

The conservative and far-right opposition also used the rallies to attack the government over its handling of the crisis. They accused Sanchez's government on Wednesday of pursuing an appeasement policy towards Morocco.

According to reports, counter-demonstrations were held in some cities where participants spoke out against racism.

One month on, life in Ceuta has yet to return to normal

Many migrants, including unaccompanied minors, remain on the streets and beaches as authorities work to shelter, register and return those eligible to Morocco.

"We’re suffering and we want to get to Europe or find a solution right now," Moroccan migrant Nebil Tazi told The Associated Press. "We’ve been waiting for a month, but there isn’t one."

Juan Jesus Vivas, Ceuta’s top official, urged Spain’s central government to reinforce the border with Morocco rather than rely on cooperation with its neighbor. "If we don't do this, there will always be someone tempted to use migration as a tool for political ends," Vivas said.

In a recorded video message published Wednesday, Sanchez said his government was using all available resources to restore tranquility for Ceuta’s residents.

At the end of July, a large number of migrants crossed the border from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish North African exclave. Around 5,000 to 8,000 migrants still remain in the territory. The crisis has reignited debate over migration across the EU.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery