Mónica García: "Until everyone is under one roof, normality cannot be restored in Ceuta"

The Spanish government and the opposition party, the People's Party (PP), are locked in heated political discourse over King Felipe VI’s potential visit to Ceuta, with neither side confirming whether the monarch will travel to the North African enclave. Meanwhile, the royal palace has remained silent, adhering to constitutional protocol that limits public commentary on the monarchy. The controversy was sparked by a recent call from the king to the president of Ceuta, following a surge in migrant arrivals, which has intensified discussions around the issue. The PP accuses the government of preventing the king from visiting both Ceuta and Melilla due to Spain’s stance on Moroccan sovereignty. According to PP spokesperson Miguel Tellado, the monarchy’s actions are constrained by the government’s decisions, and he expressed disappointment that the king has not visited these territories despite repeated calls. In contrast, the government denies imposing any restrictions on the king’s movements, stating that the visit to both cities is already under consideration. Officials from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration have emphasized the ongoing dialogue with the monarchy, including a scheduled meeting during the summer break, which they describe as evidence of a positive relationship. However, the PP interprets statements made by Sánchez during a televised interview as an attempt to undermine the monarchy. During the interview, Sánchez criticized the lack of visits by the king to Ceuta and Melilla, noting that while he had governed for eight years, the king had ruled for only 12. This remark was met with skepticism, as some questioned the accuracy of Sánchez’s claim regarding the king’s tenure. The PP argues that such comments reflect a broader strategy to weaken the monarchy’s authority and discredit its institutions. Vox and the PP also accuse the government of diverting attention from its handling of the Ceuta crisis by focusing on the monarchy. They suggest that the government is using the issue to deflect criticism of its policies toward Morocco, which they allege has contributed to the influx of migrants into Ceuta. The PP highlights the government’s perceived tolerance of Moroccan influence and points to past incidents, such as the controversial remarks by Health Minister Óscar Puente, as part of this pattern. Meanwhile, Health Minister Mónica García has reiterated that the situation in Ceuta remains a humanitarian emergency. She stated that thousands of migrants, who have been sleeping outdoors for weeks, require safe shelter to begin processing asylum applications, return procedures, or health checks. García noted that approximately 3,800 individuals have already been housed in temporary facilities, with plans to accommodate another 1,000 in the coming days. She stressed that all migrants should eventually be placed under roof within two to three weeks, under conditions of dignity. García condemned the violence that has occurred in Ceuta, attributing it to far-right rhetoric and misinformation. She accused the PP of inciting hostility against migrants through divisive language and false narratives. She argued that the government’s approach focuses on providing care and legal assistance, not on confinement. García also pointed out that the city of Ceuta has historically cooperated with the government in housing migrants, citing a 2021 effort where spaces were temporarily allocated for this purpose. However, she noted that current cooperation has improved, allowing for more effective relocation efforts. As the situation evolves, the government continues to seek collaboration from local authorities to ensure proper housing and services for the displaced population. The focus remains on resolving the immediate humanitarian crisis while addressing the underlying political tensions surrounding the monarchy and migration policy.