Spaniards sharply criticize government response to Ceuta migrant surge
A new poll shows most Spaniards blame Morocco for the July migrant influx into Ceuta and rate Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's handling of the crisis poorly.
According to a 40dB opinion poll commissioned by one outlet and SER, an overwhelming majority of Spaniards attribute the late-July migrant wave into the North African enclave of Ceuta to Morocco, with 89% assigning primary responsibility. The survey also points to human-trafficking networks, social-media disinformation, and the migrants themselves as secondary factors. Only 14.2% view Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's management of the situation as satisfactory, and two-thirds consider his reaction too delayed.
Voting intentions show the conservative People's Party at 32.4% and the anti-immigration Vox at 17.8%, together surpassing the 50% threshold, while the Socialist Party fell to 27.6%. About 27% of respondents consider Vox the most capable party on immigration, and a strong majority favor stricter border controls and increased fencing.
Why it matters
The poll signals growing public discontent with the government and a shift toward right-wing parties on immigration issues.
How this story developed
- Aug 21 Spanish police detain five suspected migrant smugglers operating from Ceuta
- Sep 3 Spain delayed EU financial and operational assistance to Ceuta pending further information from the European Commission.
- Sep 4 Sources close to the government say the Ceuta situation has amplified existing tensions, turning private grievances into public blame. Ministers accuse Marlaska of losing control of his department and being unaware of key information, while Robles is charged with leaking or pre-empting sensitive data from other ministries. President Pedro Sánchez’s recent parliamentary appearance highlighted the missing intelligence alerts, further intensifying the scramble over responsibility.
- Sep 4 Sánchez declared the borders open amid the influx, prompting opposition leaders to demand his resignation.
- Sep 4 Sánchez stated in parliament that Spain has not received solid evidence that Morocco orchestrated the July Ceuta migrant surge.
- Sep 4 EU officials discussed emergency funding for Spain in response to the Ceuta influx.
- Sep 5 The government has assumed control of Ceuta's port to install temporary tents, rest areas and medical facilities for migrants remaining after the recent invasion.
- Sep 5 The Commission said it cannot finish its review until Spain supplies further information.
- Sep 5 Thousands of migrant children remain homeless in Ceuta a month after the surge.
- Sep 6 Prosecutors announced a formal investigation into alleged Moroccan involvement in the Ceuta migrant influx.
- Sep 6 Sánchez spent about 105 minutes in Ceuta before departing for a vacation in Lanzarote.
- Sep 6 Sánchez redirected accusations toward organized crime groups and far‑right actors.
- Sep 6 The port authority’s board issued a report contesting the tent placement after the government’s takeover.
- Sep 6 Ceuta announced reinforced security patrols and psychological support programs ahead of the new school year.
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