Spanish PM blames disinformation for Ceuta border crisis

On August 31, 2026, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez addressed the migration crisis that occurred on July 30 and 31, when over 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. According to local authorities, at least 100 people died during the attempt. Sanchez stated that the surge was fueled by a coordinated disinformation campaign on social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, which falsely claimed that migrants reaching the enclave would be allowed to stay in Spain.

The Prime Minister explicitly identified entities linked to Russia, Israel, and international far-right groups as the primary drivers of this misinformation. He categorized these actions as an attempt to destabilize Spain and divide Europe through the weaponization of migration.

Regarding political accountability, Sanchez categorically denied allegations from the Spanish opposition and various human rights organizations that Moroccan authorities facilitated the mass crossing. He emphasized that intelligence agencies found no evidence of involvement by Rabat, noting that Morocco has also officially rejected these accusations. The Spanish government continues its investigation into the incident, maintaining that no official state collusion occurred.