Sánchez starts the course to the defensive and without an agenda in sight that can contain their fronts

Pedro Sánchez has emphasized during a meeting with socialist parliamentarians that those who qualify for asylum will receive it, while those who do not will be returned, addressing the ongoing crisis in Ceuta. This statement came as part of his broader strategy to address the political challenges facing his government, particularly in light of the rise of far-right parties in Germany. During the session, Sánchez used the recent victory of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the regional elections of Saxony-Anhalt to highlight the growing threat posed by extremist forces and underscore the importance of maintaining a progressive coalition government. The AfD's success, securing 43.8% of the votes and 39 seats, marked a significant shift in German politics, with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) losing ground to just 17.2%. For Sánchez, this outcome serves as both a warning and a validation of Spain’s approach to countering right-wing extremism through progressive policies. He argued that Spain's model of governance, rooted in rights and social progress, offers a counterpoint to the rising tide of reactionary movements across Europe and beyond. In his speech, Sánchez called upon his colleagues to focus on improving citizens' lives, emphasizing that the government's work should not merely maintain the status quo but actively seek solutions. He highlighted the need for continued legislative efforts, including the creation of the State Health Agency, strengthening dependency care systems, and advancing legislation related to firefighters and abortion rights. His message was clear: there is no obstacle too great to overcome, and he urged his allies to push forward with renewed vigor. The crisis in Ceuta has become a central issue for Sánchez, with the city-autonomous territory serving as the primary concern for the new parliamentary term. Sánchez reiterated that the Spanish government has allocated more resources to Ceuta and Melilla over the years than any other administration, and he stressed the commitment to restoring normalcy. He also reaffirmed that individuals with legitimate asylum claims would be granted protection under international law, while those lacking such qualifications would be repatriated. Despite these assurances, the situation in Ceuta continues to strain relations within the ruling coalition. The government faces mounting pressure from its parliamentary allies, many of whom have expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the crisis. Some demand accountability and transparency, calling for direct blame to be placed on Morocco for its role in facilitating the influx of migrants. However, Sánchez has been careful not to directly accuse Morocco, instead expressing confidence in the country's cooperation. The upcoming Council of Ministers meeting will see the declassification of documents related to the crisis, which the government hopes will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the mass migration incident on July 30. These documents are intended to demonstrate that the government had no prior warnings capable of predicting the scale of the migrant influx. While this move aims to alleviate criticism, some within the Socialist Party remain skeptical, believing much of the information is already known or widely circulated. Meanwhile, the political landscape remains tense, with opposition groups intensifying scrutiny of the government. In the Senate, seven ministers will face questions regarding the management of the Ceuta crisis, including the interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The questions will likely center around delays in responding to the crisis and perceived mismanagement. In the Congress, the situation is even more challenging, with leaders from both the People's Party (PP) and the leftist ERC questioning how Sánchez intends to continue governing the remaining months of his term. Sánchez has repeatedly asserted that his government can extend its mandate beyond 2027, despite widespread skepticism. His insistence on continuing the current legislative path has led some to believe that early elections might be imminent, especially given the increasing influence of far-right movements across Europe. With the upcoming budget proposal set for late 2026, the government faces the challenge of securing approval for measures aimed at boosting social spending and housing initiatives. However, the political climate suggests that achieving consensus may prove difficult, further complicating the government's ability to implement its agenda effectively.