Frederiksen, the social democratic nightmare that haunts Sánchez from the pandemic to the "betrayal" of Ceuta

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark has taken a clear stance in the dispute involving Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Spanish President Pedro Sánchez following the influx of 72,000 irregular migrants into Ceuta from Morocco. Both leaders signed a joint statement rejecting uncontrolled migration, calling for repatriation centers in third countries, and defending the Christian values upon which Europe is founded. Frederiksen’s alignment with Meloni, despite being a social democrat and theoretically aligned with Sánchez, highlights long-standing policy differences between the two leaders. These include foreign policy, nuclear deterrence, defense spending, and the distribution of EU funds after the pandemic. Frederiksen was among the most reluctant European Union leaders to approve financial aid requested by Sánchez during the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus. In April 2020, she stated, “We should allocate funds to the most affected countries, but identifying solidarity with common debt is an incorrect premise. We want to be supportive, but we do not wish to pay others’ debts.” Since taking office in 2019, Frederiksen has transformed the Danish Social Democrats into a party unequivocally critical of immigration, aligning more closely with Meloni’s policies than with Sánchez’s. The joint statement with Meloni underscores Frederiksen’s position: “We will not accept uncontrolled migration towards Europe. We have taken a firm stand on immigration policy both domestically and within Europe. No one can deny that illegal migration has had negative consequences for our societies. There has been an increase in crime, pressure on our welfare state, and a weakening of public confidence. It is especially concerning when illegal migrants, who have no right to be in our countries, commit serious crimes, traffic drugs, or carry out sexual assaults.” Frederiksen also emphasizes the protection of Europe’s Christian heritage, stating, “We recognize the Christian cultural heritage of Europe and wish to protect it. We expect those coming to our countries and wishing to make Europe their home to respect European values and not impose a lifestyle we do not desire.” Danish media remain skeptical of Sánchez’s account of the situation in Ceuta. The two leaders were instrumental in drafting a joint letter signed by 22 EU leaders on August 1 demanding responsibility from the Spanish government following the migrant influx. The text emphasized the need for control over Europe’s borders, noting that the pressure on external EU borders requires an immediate and concrete response. Between July 29 and 31, 70,000 Moroccans entered Ceuta illegally. While it cannot be confirmed that Morocco encouraged this, it is certain that the country allowed it. As a result, Meloni, who is losing votes to Vannacci, a declared fascist, sees an opportunity to capitalize on the situation and initiate one of her populist outbursts to suspend the Schengen area with Spain. This measure is only permissible under conditions of a severe emergency and a specific risk to the country implementing it, neither of which apply, as recognized by Italy’s Foreign Minister. Italy has described Spain’s decision to suspend Schengen as “unacceptable.” The Italian Foreign Minister stated that Spain’s reaction to suspending Schengen is “unacceptable.” The Spanish government announced that the preliminary number of unaccompanied minor immigrants in Ceuta “approaches” 1,400. Between the official visits to Ceuta by the ministers of Youth and Childhood, Sira Rego, and Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, the central government increased the count of unaccompanied minors who entered illegally as part of the wave of North Africans on July 30 by just 58. Thus, the total provisional number managed by the central government and provided to the press this Monday after meeting with Ceuta’s popular president, Juan José Vivas, “approaches” 1,400 compared to the 1,342 mentioned by the minister of Sumar. Delegations from the government, including the National Police and the Guardia Civil, are present in Ceuta. Key figures involved include Ángel Víctor Torres and Sira Rego, along with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Italian citizens found themselves trapped at the airport in Barcelona due to political tensions between Spain and Italy. They were blocked by four members of the Guardia Civil unable to open the glass door. An airport cleaner paused briefly with his cart filled with buckets and mops, asking, “Another flight from Italy?” The situation reflects the political tension between the two nations, with controls activated at Spanish airports. The police stopped passengers arriving from Italy. Children began crying, and one child pushed through the queue to put his nose against the glass. Women in summer clothes handled the heat better. “But seriously, what is happening?” One comment repeated among returning Spaniards and vacationing Italians was, “Don’t mess with me.” According to police sources, the Guardia Civil has orders to randomly inspect passengers traveling from Italy, whether by sea or air. Approximately 10 percent of the passengers are required to show documentation. The anti-immigration deployment is covered by a wall of 400 agents mobilized by the government within hours. Initial surprise checks took place early in the morning at major airports before expanding to Málaga, Seville, and Alicante. Finally, this unprecedented barrier between Spain and Italy reached the Balearic Islands, in case mafia groups devised new routes. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the disruptions will be minimal thanks to the deployment of patrols ranging from two to four agents depending on the size of the aircraft. Spanish authorities have implemented strict measures, requiring inspections of documents for passengers arriving from Italy. Unlike Italy, which directed passengers from Spain into specific, slower lanes during routine checks, Spain's law waits at the bottom of the staircase, on the bus, or even on the finger itself. Mixing with travelers from other flights is impossible without first passing through the filter. Citizens of the European Union should not encounter problems; nationals from third countries are subject to additional scrutiny. Regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso has taken a clear stance in the European crisis triggered by the mass entry of 70,000 immigrants into Ceuta. Italy has suspended the Schengen agreement with Spain, and the United States, through a message from the Department of State, accused the Spanish government of failing to defend its sovereignty. Ayuso has explicitly supported Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump through social media messages and reiterated this stance in person on Monday: “Spain’s international reputation will continue to decline because Pedro Sánchez is incapable of defending our borders. And because his uncontrolled immigration policy also attacks the European Union.”