Spain’s National Day Celebrations Highlight Unity and Migration Challenges

Approximately 2,000 demonstrators gathered in Barcelona waving Spanish and Ceuta flags to rally in support of Spain’s territorial integrity under the slogan “Catalonia with Ceuta, one Spain”. Simultaneously, Santiago Abascal, leader of the Vox party, travelled to the North African enclave of Ceuta to mark Spain’s National Day, laying a wreath in honour of those who died for Spain. He chose to attend the commemoration in Ceuta rather than the official military parade in Madrid.

Abascal’s visit occurred amidst heightened attention on migration and the disputed status of Ceuta, which Morocco claims sovereignty over. In late July, more than 70,000 individuals crossed from Morocco into Ceuta; although most returned shortly after, thousands remained, straining local resources and intensifying geopolitical tensions.

On Sunday, police, backed by soldiers, cleared the last major migrant encampment at El Guano. The operation involved more than 350 officers and took place just two days before King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were scheduled to arrive in Ceuta. The royal couple is also slated to visit Melilla on October 14, marking their first trip to the North African enclaves since 2007.

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