Thousands rallied in Madrid against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s migration policy and handling of the July influx into Ceuta. The government counted 20,000 attendees; organizers claimed 180,000. Protesters demanded an early election by mid-November.
More than 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 and 31; most were returned, but the Spanish government estimates 6,000–10,000 remain stranded. Dozens of migrants died in the incident.
The rally was organised by right-wing group Sociedad Civil Española and backed by the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox. Sanchez said Morocco’s border control had failed to handle the incident adequately; an investigation was ongoing, and Spain had asked Rabat for answers. Vox also demanded the deportation of everyone who arrived in late July and that Sanchez be tried for treason. Spain’s next general election is not due until August 2027.
