Come essere allo stesso tempo un inutile e uno sciocco utile

At least 41 migrants have died while attempting to cross into Spain from Morocco through the border town of Ceuta, according to officials. The mass influx has sparked intense political debate, with Spanish far-right leader Santiago Abascal accusing the government of failing to act decisively against what he calls an invasion. His remarks came amid images showing thousands of Moroccan migrants arriving illegally in Ceuta via the El Tarajal crossing, swimming, or walking across the border. The scale of the migration has raised concerns among local authorities, who confirmed that the number of deaths had reached at least 41 after bodies were recovered from the sea by Spanish authorities. The crisis began earlier this week with a surge in migrant arrivals, which saw hundreds of individuals attempting to enter Ceuta despite strict border controls. Many of these migrants were reportedly transported in vehicles organized by groups in Morocco, some of whom appeared to be under the watchful eyes of Moroccan security forces. According to reports, the situation escalated rapidly, leading to overcrowding in the area and increasing pressure on local resources. At least 57 people are believed to have drowned during the attempts to reach Spanish soil, though the exact number of fatalities continues to be verified by officials. Spanish Interior Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration has been criticized for its handling of the crisis, with opposition figures accusing the government of being slow to respond. Abascal, head of the right-wing party Vox, has used the incident to amplify his criticism of the current administration, stating that if the government does not take action to repel the migrants, ordinary Spaniards will do so themselves. This rhetoric aligns with Vox's long-standing stance on immigration, which they often frame as an existential threat to national sovereignty. The situation has drawn international attention, with media outlets highlighting the chaotic scenes at the border and the human toll of the migration crisis. Images of young migrants fleeing across the Mediterranean have circulated widely, drawing comparisons to past refugee crises. Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities have remained silent on the role their security forces might have played in facilitating the crossings. Some analysts suggest that the movement of migrants was coordinated, possibly involving elements within Morocco seeking to exert pressure on Spain over territorial disputes related to Ceuta and Melilla. Local residents in Ceuta have expressed mixed emotions, with some welcoming the migrants as victims of economic hardship and others voicing concerns about the strain on public services and infrastructure. The city, home to around 75,000 people, faces challenges in managing the sudden increase in population, particularly given the existing social tensions surrounding immigration. Authorities have deployed additional police and emergency personnel to manage the situation, though the effectiveness of these measures remains unclear. The crisis has also reignited debates over Spain’s foreign policy and relations with North African countries. Critics argue that the government’s approach to migration has been inconsistent, alternating between stringent border controls and humanitarian gestures. Some politicians have called for increased cooperation with neighboring nations to address the root causes of migration, while others advocate for stricter enforcement of immigration laws. The European Union has yet to issue a formal response, though several member states have expressed concern over the growing number of migrants attempting to reach Europe through the Western Mediterranean. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected by the crisis. Emergency services continue to work to recover bodies from the water and provide medical care to survivors. Meanwhile, the political discourse surrounding the incident shows no signs of abating, with both supporters and opponents of the current government using the event to advance their agendas. The outcome of this crisis could have lasting implications for Spain’s domestic policies and its relationships with key regional partners.