Spain Restores Border Control, Far-Right Goes on the Attack
Spain claims it regained control of the Ceuta border within 48 hours after an unusual migration crisis, but the political storm is growing. The far-right Vox and the People's Party attack the government for failing to secure the border. Meanwhile, a theory spreads in the Spanish left that Israel is trying to undermine Sánchez's government, but there is no evidence. Italy temporarily reinstated border checks, and the European Commission supports Madrid.
Spain is trying to return to normalcy after the unusual migration crisis in Ceuta, but the political storm is only intensifying. The government, led by Pedro Sánchez, claims it managed to restore control of the border in less than 48 hours and that most of the migrants from the tens of thousands who crossed from Morocco have already been returned or left voluntarily. Security forces remain deployed in the area, a new maritime barrier has been set up off the coast, and efforts continue to prevent another wave of infiltration. Criticism within Spain is growing: the People's Party and the far-right Vox party accuse the government of a serious failure in securing the border and lacking prior preparation, while residents in Ceuta warn that the crisis exposed the city's vulnerability and its dependence on cooperation with Morocco. The government places most of the blame on smuggling networks and false information spread on social media. In Europe, the crisis has created a rift: Italy decided to temporarily reinstate border checks on travelers arriving from Spain, and other countries demanded a re-discussion of Spanish conduct. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Madrid. Prime Minister Sánchez attacked the countries that took unilateral steps, calling them "selfish" and "driven by political considerations." The focus of the crisis has shifted to the political arena and to Israel. In the Spanish left, a theory is spreading that Israel is trying to undermine the stability of Sánchez's government due to its pro-Palestinian positions, but so far no evidence has been presented. The confrontation began after Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, sharply criticized the Spanish government, calling Ceuta and Melilla "colonial enclaves in Africa." Transport Minister Óscar Puente hinted on social media about Israeli pressure, and Javier Bardem spread posts claiming that Israel and the far right benefit from the crisis. Fact-checking bodies emphasized that there is no factual basis for claims of Israeli involvement.