MADRID, Sept 2: Spain’s government faced a fresh political storm on Wednesday after a leaked police report alleged that Moroccan security forces helped direct thousands of migrants towards the border of Ceuta.
The report, cited by several Spanish media organisations, said Moroccan authorities had acted passively and, in some cases, had guided migrants by sea towards the Spanish enclave. It reportedly described the mass arrival of about 80,000 people as a planned operation rather than a spontaneous migration movement.
The claims have placed Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska under intense pressure. He ordered police officials to clarify the report, which appeared to contradict the government’s position that there was no evidence of Moroccan involvement.
Police chief Francisco Pardo later said that no official report directly blamed Morocco for planning or carrying out the crossings. His denial, however, failed to calm the political dispute.
Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government of knowing about the danger in advance and covering it up. The opposition has demanded answers about whether intelligence agencies warned ministers of an approaching border breach.
Sánchez has rejected accusations against Morocco. He has instead pointed to false social media posts, people-smuggling networks and possible disinformation campaigns involving Russia, Israel and far-right groups. Morocco has also denied deliberately allowing the crossings.euronews+1
The crisis began on July 30, when more than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta. At least 82 migrants died on the Spanish side, while Morocco reported another 14 deaths. Between 5,000 and 8,000 people remain in the enclave, although local authorities believe the number could be higher.reuters+1
Ceuta’s regional president, Juan Jesús Vivas, said the city was at breaking point and accused Morocco of trying to “suffocate” Ceuta and its sister enclave, Melilla. Protests in support of Ceuta were held across Spain on Wednesday.
Madrid has asked Frontex, Europol and the EU Asylum Agency for help with registration, interviews and returns. It also faces legal difficulties because many of those remaining are minors, who cannot be returned immediately under Spanish law.
With Spain’s next election expected in 2027, the dispute over what the government knew—and when—could become one of Sánchez’s most serious political challenges.
