In Barcelona, about 2,000 demonstrators waved Spanish and Ceuta flags at a rally supporting Spain’s territorial integrity, under the slogan “Catalonia with Ceuta, one Spain”. Meanwhile, Vox leader Santiago Abascal travelled to Ceuta, where he laid a wreath in honour of those who died for Spain. He had chosen to mark Spain’s National Day in the North African enclave rather than attend the military parade in Madrid.
His visit came amid renewed focus on migration and Ceuta’s disputed status: Morocco claims sovereignty over the Spanish-administered territory. More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July; most returned within days, but thousands remained, putting pressure on local resources.
