The former Spanish defence minister and former president of Congress, Federico Trillo, called on 6 September for a state of emergency to be declared in Ceuta and said legal action should be taken against Morocco . In an interview with Europa Press, he spoke of an “invasion”, blamed Morocco for the situation and put the death toll during the mass border crossings at the end of July at 150. He provided no independent evidence for this figure or for his claim that the Moroccan state was responsible; there has been no official confirmation.
Trillo justified his call by arguing that a state of emergency could expand the legal tools available for returns and public order operations. He also sharply criticised Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and accused him of displaying a “Stockholm syndrome”, while explicitly praising the defence minister Margarita Robles . Trillo's choice of words is part of a heated domestic political debate in which the government and opposition take differing views of events in Ceuta.
Under the Spanish Constitution, a state of emergency, as well as the more severe states of alarm and siege, is strictly regulated. These require a specific threat, formal government decisions and the approval of the Congress of Deputies ; their scope is limited in time and subject matter and subject to judicial review. A blanket easing of deportations would therefore be subject to strict rule-of-law requirements.
Trillo also urged that Morocco be taken “before international forums”, naming, among others, the United Nations and European courts. International legal action against a state requires solid evidence and generally decisions by the competent state authorities. The Spanish government has so far neither officially established Morocco's responsibility as alleged by Trillo nor confirmed the death toll he cited.
Ceuta saw a sharp rise in border crossings at the end of July. Since then, security authorities and aid organisations have reported considerable pressure on accommodation and procedures, while political debate over causes and responsibility continues. Trillo's proposal increases pressure on the government to explain its legal options and cooperation with Morocco to parliament. Whether this will lead to specific motions or proceedings remains open; the assessment of the situation remains disputed.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).