Vox leader and France’s Bardella demand tougher border controls in Ceuta
Santiago Abascal accuses Morocco of having “sponsored” July’s migration crisis in Ceuta. Accompanied by Jordan Bardella, the leader of Spain’s Vox party called Monday for the militarization of the border and the expulsion of migrants who entered Spain irregularly.
“A Moroccan-sponsored invasion enabled by the Spanish government.” Santiago Abascal directly accused Rabat on Monday, October 12, at a press conference in Ceuta attended by Jordan Bardella, president of France’s National Rally. The Vox leader chose this city on the border with Morocco to celebrate Spain’s national day and denounce the handling of the July migration crisis, the local daily El Faro de Ceuta reports.
At Mirador Isabel II, where the two political leaders appeared before the press, Abascal accused Pedro Sánchez of allowing the mass arrivals on July 30 and 31 to take place. He says their consequences are still being felt in Ceuta and is demanding that the Spanish government be held accountable ahead of the November 29 general election.
His demands are specific: militarize the border, permanently strengthen surveillance measures and expel people who entered irregularly. The Vox president is also calling for the deportation of foreigners who commit crimes and advocates a “remigration” policy targeting certain categories of social assistance recipients.
Bardella in Ceuta, away from Madrid’s official ceremonies
Jordan Bardella’s presence gives this political offensive a European dimension. The two leaders toured several areas of Ceuta before their press conference. Abascal thanked his French counterpart for making the trip, describing it as a demonstration of cooperation between their parties.
“It is precisely in difficult times that great political alliances are forged,” the Vox leader said, according to Euronews.
Abascal chose this visit over the October 12 military ceremonies in Madrid. He refuses to share the official platform with Pedro Sánchez, whom he accuses of abandoning Ceuta’s protection.
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The Spanish leader also describes the July events as a “hybrid war” against his country. He links his accusations to territorial disputes between Rabat and Madrid, as Vox has been calling for tougher relations with Morocco for several weeks, particularly over recognition of Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.
The visit comes on the eve of King Felipe VI’s trip to Ceuta, scheduled for Tuesday, October 13. Abascal welcomed the royal visit while calling for the support shown for the city to be accompanied by concrete border-control measures.
