Politics

Madrid protest targets Sánchez government over Ceuta migration crisis

Saturday 26 September 2026 - 22:00

Zoom

Thousands of people took part in a demonstration in central Madrid on Saturday, September 26, protesting the Spanish government's handling of the migration crisis in Ceuta and calling for early general elections.

The march was organised by Sociedad Civil Española and backed by Spain's conservative Partido Popular (PP) and Vox. Participants carried Spanish flags and marched through the capital in support of Ceuta, while directing criticism at Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government.

Ceuta crisis becomes a national political issue

The demonstration comes almost two months after the large-scale arrival of migrants in Ceuta on July 30 and 31. The episode placed significant pressure on the autonomous city's reception facilities and public services and quickly became a major political issue in Spain.

Spanish authorities have since expanded temporary accommodation capacity, increased security deployments and introduced additional measures to manage the situation. A government decree published in September formally recognised the exceptional pressure created by the influx and provided for additional support and coordination measures.

Despite these measures, thousands of migrants remain in Ceuta, according to Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, including people housed in designated facilities and others still living outside formal accommodation.

Demonstrators demand early elections

The Madrid march, presented by its organisers as the second “March for Dignity”, called for immediate general elections and stronger measures concerning migration and border management.

Sociedad Civil Española's manifesto also includes demands for the return to Morocco of migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly and calls for legal action against Sánchez. These are demands made by the organisers and do not represent government policy.

The next Spanish general election is not constitutionally due until 2027 unless an earlier vote is called.

The PP and Vox publicly supported Saturday's mobilisation. Vox leader Santiago Abascal attended the demonstration, while the PP was represented by senior party figures.

Migration policy at the centre of the dispute

The protest reflects a wider political dispute over how Spain should manage the migrants who remain in Ceuta.

The Spanish government has said that returning migrants who entered irregularly is a priority, while stressing that any returns must comply with applicable legal rules. Official measures adopted in September included provisions intended to accelerate returns and strengthen resources available to Ceuta.

At the same time, the situation involving minors has complicated the response. RTVE reported that thousands of migrants remained in the city in September, including more than 2,000 identified minors, with discussions continuing over their accommodation and possible transfer to other parts of Spain.

The issue has consequently moved beyond border management, involving questions over asylum procedures, child protection, public services and relations between Spain's central government and regional authorities.

Political pressure on Sánchez

Saturday's demonstration adds to a series of mobilisations linked to the Ceuta crisis.

The organisers have sought to turn public concern over the situation into pressure for an early national vote. The PP and Vox have also used the issue to criticise the government's handling of the crisis, although their positions and political strategies are not identical.

The Spanish government, meanwhile, has defended the measures already taken and continues to frame the situation as a matter requiring coordination between national, regional and local authorities.

Ceuta remains at the centre of the debate

The latest demonstration illustrates how the migration situation in Ceuta has become intertwined with Spain's broader political debate.

For the protesters and the organisations supporting the march, the priority is stronger border control, faster returns and an early election. For the government, the challenge involves managing migration while maintaining legal safeguards and addressing the pressure placed on Ceuta's public services.

As the crisis continues, the city remains both a frontline migration issue and a significant point of political confrontation in Spain.