Thousands Rally in Madrid Over Ceuta Migrant Crisis, Demand Sánchez Resign

Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Madrid on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and calling for fresh elections over his government's handling of the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

Protesters chanted and carried banners, some bearing the message "Sánchez traitor" and others showing the prime minister's image crossed out. Spanish flags were waved across the crowd, and some participants wore shirts reading "Todos Somos Caballas" — "we are all Ceutis" — in a show of solidarity with the territory's residents.

Santiago Abascal, leader of the right-wing party VOX, was seen taking selfies with supporters during the march. The demonstration was the second held in Madrid in support of Ceuta.

In late July, approximately 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco, with at least 90 people reported to have died attempting to reach Europe. Most later returned to Morocco or were sent back, but around 5,000 people, including 1,200 minors, remained in the territory weeks afterwards, according to figures from Spain's national government. Ceuta's local government has reported a higher number, and questions persist over what caused the mass crossing. The national government has attributed the influx partly to an online social media campaign.

The sudden arrival has strained resources in Ceuta, which has a population of roughly 84,000. Local authorities have accused the central government of ignoring warning signs before the crossing, while some residents say the response has been inadequate and are demanding measures to restore normality.

Among those at Saturday's march was Samuel Velo, a 36-year-old administrative assistant, who said he had come to stand with the city's residents. "The people of Ceuta are at their limit. So I think we need to support them being here," he said.

Rosa López, a 49-year-old gardener, said Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary Islands are Spanish and would remain so. "We must support them because they are going through a very tough time and need all the support they can get and more," she said.

Rafael Sánchez, a 65-year-old retiree who travelled from Valencia, said the situation in Ceuta was "crazy" and criticised the prime minister's management of it, adding that he should step aside and "leave the Spaniards alone."