The Spanish government has called for strictly peaceful protests at demonstrations in support of the city of Ceuta announced for Wednesday, 2 September. After the Council of Ministers meeting on 1 September in Madrid emphasised Ángel Víctor Torres, the minister for territorial policy responsible for Ceuta as “mando único”, the fundamental right of assembly and urged demonstrators to come “with flowers in their hands”. At the same time, he accused the Partido Popular of exploiting the calls for political purposes. The government, Torres said, did not want to be drawn into party-political disputes.
Government spokesperson Elma Saiz reaffirmed the right to peaceful assembly and condemned all forms of violence. Protests have been announced nationwide and in Ceuta itself. They come amid recent tensions over the North African exclave, which has been in the spotlight in recent weeks because of numerous border crossings and the resulting security and humanitarian pressures. Opposition parties such as the Partido Popular and Vox support calls for demonstrations; the government is demanding that all those involved clearly distance themselves from assaults.
Alongside its call for de-escalation, the Council of Ministers approved an aid package worth 309 million euros for Ceuta. According to the government, it includes funding for humanitarian reception and initial care, increased security personnel, and direct assistance for affected businesses and workers to cushion economic damage. Some of the support is due to begin promptly; applications for some programmes can reportedly be made from mid-September. The government says the package is needed to stabilise public order, safeguard essential services and address the widespread feeling among some residents that they lack support.
Two aspects are central in practice: the immediate response to the announced demonstrations and structural relief for Ceuta. Statements about possible violence are attributed to the government, which emphasises prevention and the rule of law. Political assessments – such as the accusation of politicisation – come from government members and are aimed primarily at the Partido Popular. No reliable information about the precise course of Wednesday’s demonstrations was available by the editorial deadline.
With its decision and public appeals, the cabinet is seeking to calm the political climate while demonstrating that it is taking action. Whether the measures have a short-term effect and reduce polarisation will depend largely on the demonstrators’ conduct and the tone adopted by the parties in the coming days.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).