Spanish PM Admits State Response to Ceuta Crisis 'Insufficient'

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has acknowledged for the first time that the government's handling of the migrant crisis in Ceuta has been inadequate. In a video message released Wednesday, Sánchez said, "I understand that for many of you, until normality is restored, the state's response is insufficient." The message came on the city's holiday and hours before nationwide protests are scheduled. Sánchez addressed "our fellow citizens in Ceuta" directly, admitting that "the crisis of July 30 has pushed our capacity to respond to the limit." He pledged that "we will continue mobilizing all available resources so that the city recovers normality as soon as possible." The Prime Minister outlined his priorities: "getting people off the streets as soon as possible, ensuring dignified care for those who have arrived, and returning to the people of Ceuta the tranquility they deserve." He also thanked residents for their "serenity, solidarity, coexistence, and generosity" during these difficult weeks. Protests are expected across Spain this afternoon. They are likely to serve both as a show of solidarity with Ceuta and as a broader demonstration against the government's management of the situation. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo is traveling to Ceuta to support the rallies, where he expects "millions of people" to attend. Meanwhile, Sánchez's party is working to minimize internal dissent.