Spain's opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has made the recent migration crisis in Ceuta a central theme of his early election campaign. He used the enclave to attack Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government and outline his tougher approach to migration and border security. Feijóo chose Ceuta for his first campaign-related visit after Sánchez called early general elections for November 29.
Feijóo has visited Ceuta five times since the migration crisis erupted in late July. During his latest visit, he promised to restore "normality" in Ceuta if voters bring him to power. "Ceuta will be my first folder on the table of the Council of Ministers," Feijóo stated. He also emphasized that the government should defend its border, saying, "the only wall that the government has to defend is its border."
The leader of the conservative Partido Popular (PP) wants all people who entered Ceuta irregularly to return to their countries. He pledged to use the powers provided by Spain's Constitution, including Article 8, which assigns the Armed Forces the task of defending the country's territorial integrity. Feijóo also announced plans for a new immigration law to facilitate the immediate return of people who enter Spain irregularly.
Feijóo has repeatedly linked the Ceuta crisis to Morocco in his recent political statements. On September 3, he claimed in Spain's Congress that the mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta "came from Morocco" and was "tolerated by Morocco." He used threatening language against Morocco, alleging he would deploy the Spanish Armed Forces to protect the border if he received information indicating a possible new mass entry into Ceuta.
The PP said Feijóo's plan includes additional personnel and improved surveillance systems. He accused Morocco of not showing the same commitment toward Madrid, despite its efforts to tackle the Ceuta crisis. Feijóo stated that Spain needs to maintain a relationship with Morocco but expressed concerns about Morocco's actions.
Feijóo's campaign has been launched against Morocco, despite its efforts to address the Ceuta crisis and beyond. The PP's stance toward Morocco has been criticized, with some labeling it as cynical. Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's rhetoric had also been critical of Morocco, and Feijóo's accusations have added to the tension.
The early general elections in Spain are set for November 29. Feijóo's focus on the Ceuta crisis and relations with Morocco is expected to be a key issue in the campaign. The PP's proposals on migration and border security are likely to be scrutinized by voters, and Feijóo's stance on Morocco may influence the election outcome.
Key points
- Feijóo wants to use Article 8 of Spain's Constitution to defend the country's territorial integrity.
- Feijóo plans to introduce a new immigration law to facilitate the immediate return of people who enter Spain irregularly.
- The PP's stance toward Morocco has been criticized as cynical.
