The Growing Concern Over Immigration in Ceuta
Recent surveys indicate a significant consensus among the Spanish population regarding the involvement of Morocco in the immigration crisis that has escalated in Ceuta. Contrary to the Spanish government's assertions, the vast majority of Spaniards believe that the Moroccan regime is directly facilitating the massive influx of migrants that began on July 30, leading to heightened tensions and social unrest in the autonomous city. According to the latest Sigma Dos barometer for EL MUNDO, an overwhelming 90.4% of Spaniards hold the view that the Moroccan state is behind the irregular entry of as many as 72,000 individuals into Ceuta. This sentiment is echoed among voters of the ruling parties, with 91.3% of PSOE voters and 92.9% of Sumar voters attributing blame to King Mohamed VI's government. In stark contrast, only 3.8% of those surveyed align with the government's narrative, which continues to exonerate Morocco and commend its cooperation in managing the crisis.
Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares has recently defended Morocco's assistance as "essential" for curbing the crisis and preventing similar occurrences in the future, attributing the incidents of July to misinformation circulating on social media. However, this perspective is largely dismissed by the Spanish public; 52.6% believe that Morocco was aware of the migration movement and allowed it to happen without securing its borders, while 37.8% assert that Morocco even encouraged the illegal entry of migrants into Spain. When asked to evaluate the irregular immigration into Ceuta, 59.7% perceive it as a tactic employed by Morocco to exert pressure and leverage on the Spanish government.
Calls for Government Action and Royal Intervention
In addition to attributing responsibility to Morocco, a significant portion of the Spanish populace feels that the government led by Pedro Sánchez has failed to adequately address the untenable situation in Ceuta. A staggering 82.2% of respondents believe that the government has not done enough to alleviate the crisis, including over half of the voters from both PSOE and Sumar, specifically 56.9% and 52.7%, respectively. As frustration mounts over the perceived inaction of the Sánchez administration, a majority of 66.9% of those surveyed advocate for a royal visit to Ceuta, a move that the government is reportedly hesitant to endorse.
Moreover, the repatriation of illegal immigrants is a priority for many citizens, with 77.2% supporting the return of unaccompanied Moroccan minors currently residing in Ceuta. Only 13.8% favor redistributing these minors across other autonomous communities. Notably, 59.1% of PSOE voters support the idea of forcibly returning these minors to Morocco, aligning with the broader public sentiment. The survey also reveals division among the Spanish population regarding the level of solidarity shown by other regions toward Ceuta, as 47% feel adequately supported while 52.9% argue for greater assistance. Furthermore, when it comes to ensuring border security to prevent future mass incursions, 55% advocate for militarization, 52.8% suggest sanctions against Morocco, and 45% call for expedited expulsions of migrants.
In light of the ongoing situation, a substantial majority, 84.4%, believe that Spain should cease collaborative projects, including the shared hosting of the 2030 World Cup with Morocco. The upcoming World Cup, in which the national team will participate as reigning champions, is set to take place in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, yet the final venue remains unconfirmed, with Casablanca also vying for the honor. The survey, conducted from August 20 to August 26, 2026, sampled 2,173 individuals aged 18 and older who are eligible to vote in Spain, utilizing a mixed methodology of telephone interviews and online panels.
As reported by elmundo.es.
