Spain's National Day: Barcelona Rally and Vox Leader's Visit to Ceuta Stress Territorial Unity
On Spain's National Day, about 2,000 people rallied in Barcelona for territorial unity, while Vox leader Santiago Abascal travelled to Ceuta. Morocco disputes the status of the North African enclave, which has recently faced migration pressure.
On Spain's National Day, 12 October, around 2,000 demonstrators waving Spanish and Ceuta flags gathered in Barcelona for a rally backing the country's territorial integrity. The slogan was "Catalonia with Ceuta, one Spain". Ceuta is a Spanish-administered enclave in North Africa to which Morocco lays claim, which ties the issue to the dispute over its status and to migration.
Meanwhile, Santiago Abascal, leader of the right-wing party Vox, travelled to Ceuta and laid a wreath in honour of those who died for Spain. He chose to spend the National Day in the enclave instead of attending the military parade in Madrid.
Migration pressure in Ceuta
His visit came as attention to migration and Ceuta's disputed status has been renewed. On 30 and 31 July this year, more than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta. Most returned within days, but thousands stayed, putting pressure on local resources.
On Sunday, police backed by soldiers cleared the last major migrant encampment, at El Guano. More than 350 officers took part in the operation, which took place two days before King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were due to visit Ceuta.
The royal couple are also scheduled to travel to Melilla, Spain's other enclave in North Africa, on 14 October. It will be their first visit to the two enclaves since 2007.
