Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Spain on Wednesday, protesting the government’s handling of the country’s ongoing migrant crisis.
Madrid saw the largest demonstration, with authorities estimating around 50,000 protesters. Many expressed anger toward Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as tensions surrounding the North African city of Ceuta continued to grow. Demonstrators carried Spanish flags and signs demanding tougher action, while some called for Sánchez to face prison.
The unrest did not end when the demonstrations ended. Gunshots and explosions were reportedly heard across Madrid overnight, with violence continuing for hours.
The protests come after more than 70,000 migrants crossed into Spanish territory from Morocco in late July, leaving thousands still in Spain. Ceuta’s regional leader Juan Jesús Vivas described the incident as a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity rather than simply a migration crisis.
Sánchez has also accused Russian and Israeli networks, along with far-right groups, of helping spread disinformation about the border crisis.
Comments