ON
← Back to feed
Carlos Herrera: Morocco knows how to calculate and smells when there is a moment of weakness in Spanish politics.
Spain🏛️ PoliticsCenter2 days ago

Carlos Herrera: Morocco knows how to calculate and smells when there is a moment of weakness in Spanish politics.

On August 17, 2026, a surge of over 70,000 illegal immigrants entered Spain through Ceuta from Morocco, leading to a tense situation where many remained in the city without shelter. Despite claims by the Spanish government that most were repatriated, thousands stayed hidden in mountains, beaches, or wandered streets, raising concerns about security. Reports indicated Moroccan authorities had planned another mass border crossing attempt on August 15, which was thwarted by Moroccan security forces. Over 300 individuals were detained, mostly from Sub-Saharan Africa. Local residents continue to request aid, while health professionals warn of potential outbreaks despite assurances from Health Minister Mónica García that healthcare systems are under strain but not overwhelmed. The crisis has led to criticism of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who was on vacation during the incident and called an emergency cabinet meeting. Journalist Carlos Herrera criticized the government’s handling of the crisis, accusing Sánchez of being indifferent and suggesting Morocco exploits Spain’s vulnerabilities.

The political fallout over the government's handling of the mass migration crisis in Ceuta has intensified within the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). On August 1, as the majority of the more than 70,000 migrants who had illegally entered Ceuta began returning voluntarily to their countries of origin, President Pedro Sánchez expressed relief and satisfaction with his ministers. After a tense year marked by numerous challenges, Sánchez was preparing for his much-awaited vacation on the island of Lanzarote. His ministers, including Transport Minister Óscar Puente, praised him publicly on social media, with Puente posting, “Another crisis solved by Pedro Sánchez.” However, this optimism quickly turned into disillusionment as the situation worsened in the following weeks. Sánchez initially believed he had resolved the crisis within the first 48 hours, as most of the migrants left Ceuta through the border back to Morocco. With the support of his colleagues, he decided not to make public appearances after visiting the city for a few hours to condemn the violation of Spain’s territorial integrity. Yet, he underestimated the gravity of the situation. Within days, thousands of the migrants, approximately 6,000 according to Juan Jesús Vivas, chose to remain in Ceuta, while around two thousand minors awaited family reunification. By the time Sánchez returned to Madrid, the crisis remained unresolved, and the political damage was evident. Critics within the PSOE argue that the government failed to anticipate the scale of the crisis and responded inadequately. A well-informed observer of Spanish-Moroccan relations noted that the government’s lack of preparedness led to a national humiliation. The Moroccan authorities, though not directly responsible, were criticized for not preventing the influx, which exposed Spain’s inability to secure its borders. This failure, they say, has undermined the country’s image and raised questions about the leadership’s competence. The incident has also strained diplomatic ties, particularly with King Mohammed VI, whose kingdom faces internal issues and economic hardship, making the migrant flow a sensitive issue. Inside the PSOE, a sense of shock and uncertainty has spread among party leaders. Many question the absence of a clear strategy and the lack of decisive action. Some accuse the government of failing to convene an emergency meeting involving key figures such as Defense Minister Félix Bóveda. Others emphasize the emotional impact on residents of Ceuta, who feel abandoned by the state. The party’s internal dynamics have been shaken, with some members expressing frustration over the government’s apparent complacency toward Morocco. The crisis has also sparked broader discussions about the effectiveness of Spain’s immigration policies. While the government denies any responsibility, critics point to the legal framework that allowed the influx. A pivotal moment came on July 8, when the Supreme Court ruled that the so-called “hot returns” policy, where migrants intercepted at sea are sent back to Morocco, could only apply to those attempting to cross illegally. This ruling inadvertently created a loophole, allowing many to reach Ceuta by swimming. Social media amplified this effect, with migrants sharing their success online, leading to a surge in arrivals between July 12 and July 26. Over a thousand swimmers reached the city during this period, many of them unaccompanied minors lacking proper documentation. Despite awareness of the growing crisis, the government did little to address the issue. According to reports from Cadena Ser, the Ministry of Interior acknowledged the potential for a critical situation at the CETI center and warned that the phenomenon would continue. The administration even considered deploying maritime barriers to prevent further crossings, but these measures were not implemented before the mass arrival. On July 27, after three bodies were recovered from the sea, officials convened an urgent meeting and called for an immediate response. However, the lack of coordination and resources meant that the city struggled to manage the influx effectively. As the situation continues to unfold, the political ramifications grow more severe. The government’s perceived negligence has fueled public discontent and deepened divisions within the ruling party. The crisis has become a symbol of mismanagement and a challenge to the legitimacy of the current administration. With no clear resolution in sight, the pressure on Sánchez and his team to provide answers, and to restore confidence in their ability to handle such crises, has never been greater.

Go to the primary sources (3)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

5 reports

El Mundo logoEl MundoIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 90Objective 506 days ago
The commotion runs through the PSOE for its inaction in Ceuta: "Sánchez has made water; it is an image of the end of the cycle"

The article discusses the political fallout within Spain's Socialist Party (PSOE) over the government's handling of the migrant crisis in Ceuta. On August 1st, after most of the over 70,000 illegal migrants who entered Ceuta had voluntarily left, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed relief and satisfaction with his ministers, marking the end of a tense period. However, this perception was short-lived as thousands of migrants decided to stay, including around 6,000 adults and 2,000 minors awaiting family reunification. The situation has led to criticism of the government's lack of preparedness and strategic clarity. Sánchez and his team were criticized for underestimating the crisis' severity and failing to adequately secure the border, which has been perceived as a humiliation for Spain. The article highlights internal discontent within the PSOE, with members expressing confusion and doubt over the government's approach.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the government's actions as inadequate and lacking strategy, using strong language such as 'humiliation,' 'tragic situation,' and 'paralysis.' It criticizes the government's failure to secure the border and implies that the crisis reflects broader systemic issues. While the focusは

Why factuality (90): The article provides detailed information about the migration crisis in Ceuta, including the timeline of events and statements made by Sánchez and Puente. However, it lacks specific data on the number of migrants remaining in Ceuta and relies more on narrative than verifiable statistics. Still, it a

Why objectivity (50): The article has a clear negative tone toward Sánchez, using phrases like ‘Sánchez has made water’ and describing the situation as an ‘image of end of cycle.’ This strongly criticizes the government and shows a clear bias rather than presenting multiple perspectives or remaining neutral.

ABC (España) logoABC (España)IndependentConservativeFactual 80Objective 6512 days ago
Vivas accuses the Sánchez government of lack of response and wanting to make up reality in Ceuta

On August 17, 2026, Juan Jesús Vivas, president of Ceuta, accused the Spanish government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of lacking a proper response to recent developments in the territory. He criticized the government for attempting to 'mask the reality' by claiming that normalcy was restored within 48 hours. This statement followed interviews both he and his counterpart in Melilla, Juan José Imbrod, gave to ABC earlier that weekend. The criticism highlights concerns over the handling of local issues and perceived misrepresentation of progress.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the government's actions as attempts to 'maquillar la realidad' (mask the reality), which implies a critique of the administration's transparency and honesty. While the subject is a political dispute between regional leaders and the national government, the framing leans toward a右

Why factuality (80): The article accurately reflects the president of Ceuta’s public criticism of the national government, referencing his previous comments in an interview. It provides context around the claim that the government is attempting to downplay the situation. This aligns with other reports that highlight ten

Why objectivity (65): The language used is clearly critical of the government, using phrases like 'falta de respuesta' and 'pretender maquillar la realidad,' which carry a strong political tone. The article appears to favor the perspective of the local leadership, introducing a degree of editorializing.

ABC (España) logoABC (España)IndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 657 days ago
Improvisation and chaos in the regrouping of immigrants in Ceuta

The management of the migration crisis in Ceuta by Spain's government under Pedro Sánchez has been marked by improvisation and chaos, according to reports. Security personnel have criticized the lack of clear directives, leading to disorganized situations such as those seen at the Trampoline Beach, which has become a significant point for migrants. Agents are unable to restrict movement within the temporary migrant accommodation centers, causing them to repeatedly return to the coast, as this area is close to their main objective, the CETI center, which is already at full capacity, according to police sources.

Bias read (Progressive): The article criticizes the government's handling of the migration crisis, implying inefficiency and disorder under the current administration. The framing highlights the shortcomings of the Sánchez government, suggesting a negative assessment of their policies and management capabilities, which is a

Why factuality (75): The article reports on the chaotic management of the migration crisis in Ceuta under Pedro Sánchez's government, citing sources from ABC. It mentions specific locations like the Trampolín beach and references police sources regarding overcrowding at the CETI. While there is no primary source documen

Why objectivity (65): The tone leans towards critical commentary on the government's handling of the crisis, using terms like 'caos' and highlighting the lack of orders. The article presents the situation from a perspective that suggests inefficiency, which may reflect a bias rather than purely objective reporting.

ABC (España) logoABC (España)IndependentConservativeFactual 75Objective 6012 days ago
Carlos Herrera: Morocco knows how to calculate and smells when there is a moment of weakness in Spanish politics.

On August 17, 2026, a surge of over 70,000 illegal immigrants entered Spain through Ceuta from Morocco, leading to a tense situation where many remained in the city without shelter. Despite claims by the Spanish government that most were repatriated, thousands stayed hidden in mountains, beaches, or wandered streets, raising concerns about security. Reports indicated Moroccan authorities had planned another mass border crossing attempt on August 15, which was thwarted by Moroccan security forces. Over 300 individuals were detained, mostly from Sub-Saharan Africa. Local residents continue to request aid, while health professionals warn of potential outbreaks despite assurances from Health Minister Mónica García that healthcare systems are under strain but not overwhelmed. The crisis has led to criticism of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who was on vacation during the incident and called an emergency cabinet meeting. Journalist Carlos Herrera criticized the government’s handling of the crisis, accusing Sánchez of being indifferent and suggesting Morocco exploits Spain’s vulnerabilities.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the crisis as a failure of the Spanish government, particularly criticizing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for his absence during the crisis and implying a lack of leadership. It emphasizes Moroccan actions and suggests they are exploiting Spain’s weaknesses, which aligns with a pro

Why factuality (75): The article reports on the situation in Ceuta following a mass illegal immigration from Morocco, citing government figures of over 70,000 people returned but many remaining in the city. It mentions the ongoing security concerns and the Moroccan authorities' role in preventing another border breach.

Why objectivity (60): The tone is somewhat critical of the Spanish government and implies political bias, particularly through statements like 'la legislatura colapsada que no sirve de nada.' The article frames the situation in a way that suggests governmental inadequacy, which introduces an element of opinion rather tha

infoLibre logoinfoLibreIndependentProgressive2 days ago
A sentence, several warnings and the networks as a catalyst: a timeline of a massive influx that strains the government

A month after an unprecedented mass influx of migrants into Ceuta, Spain, the crisis has strained relations within the government, particularly between the ministries of Defense and Interior. The situation began with a Supreme Court ruling on July 8, which clarified that 'border rejection' could only apply to those attempting to cross illegally by overcoming border containment measures, not those entering via swimming. This legal clarification led to social media posts celebrating successful crossings, creating a perception of open borders and encouraging more attempts. Between July 12 and 26, maritime arrivals surged significantly, with over a thousand swimmers recorded in the second half of July alone, many being unaccompanied minors without identification. The government was aware of the growing migrant flow, with Interior acknowledging the potential for a critical situation at the CETI center and considering marine containment measures before the large-scale entry. However, these measures were not implemented in time.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights the failure of the Spanish government to prevent the mass migration due to legal ambiguities and lack of preparedness, suggesting criticism towards the current administration's policies and coordination. It emphasizes the role of legal rulings and social media in exacerbating,

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories