Politics · Spain · 1 day ago
Spain’s National Day rallies highlight territorial unity and migration pressures
About 2,000 people rallied in Barcelona on Spain’s National Day, waving Spanish and Ceuta flags and calling for the country’s territorial unity.
Vox leader Santiago Abascal marked the day in Ceuta, a Spanish-administered enclave in North Africa, instead of attending Madrid’s military parade.
Morocco claims sovereignty over Ceuta, whose status remains disputed.
More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July; most returned within days, but thousands stayed and put pressure on local services.
More than 350 officers and soldiers cleared the last major migrant camp at El Guano on Sunday.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are due to visit Ceuta and Melilla, their first visit to the two enclaves since 2007.
About 2,000 demonstrators in Barcelona rallied for Spain’s territorial integrity, waving Spanish and Ceuta flags.
Vox leader Santiago Abascal marked Spain’s National Day in Ceuta instead of attending the military parade in Madrid.
The events came amid renewed focus on migration and Ceuta’s disputed status, which Morocco claims.
More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July, and thousands remained, putting pressure on local resources.
More than 350 police officers, backed by soldiers, cleared the last major migrant encampment at El Guano.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were due to visit Ceuta and Melilla, their first visit to the two enclaves since 2007.
- Who
- About 2,000 Barcelona demonstrators, Vox leader Santiago Abascal, and Spanish authorities.
- What
- Rallies highlighted Spain’s territorial unity, while authorities cleared a major migrant encampment in Ceuta.
- When
- On Spain’s National Day; the encampment clearance took place on Sunday.
- Where
- Barcelona and Ceuta, including the El Guano encampment.
- Why
- Demonstrators supported Spain’s territorial integrity. Abascal’s visit came amid migration pressures and Ceuta’s disputed status.
Supporters of Spain’s territorial integrity
Morocco
Territorial status
Supporters of Spain’s territorial integrity
Supporters at the Barcelona rally backed Spain’s territorial integrity, using the slogan “Catalonia with Ceuta, one Spain”.
Morocco
Morocco claims sovereignty over Ceuta.
More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta; most returned within days, while thousands remained.
More than 350 police officers, backed by soldiers, cleared the last major migrant encampment at El Guano.
About 2,000 demonstrators rallied in Barcelona, while Vox leader Santiago Abascal visited Ceuta.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were scheduled to travel to Melilla, following a visit to Ceuta.
- Barcelona rally
- About 2,000 demonstrators
- Slogan
- Catalonia with Ceuta, one Spain
- Migration crossing
- More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July
- Encampment clearance
- More than 350 police officers took part at El Guano
- Royal visit
- Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were scheduled to visit Melilla on 14 October
What people are saying
Catalonia with Ceuta, one Spain
Sources
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