On 3 September 2026 set out Pedro Sánchez in the Congreso de los Diputados the government’s response to the mass, irregular entry into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July 2026. The government puts the number of people who reached Ceuta over those two days at around 72,000. The Prime Minister made clear that no official reports beforehand had indicated the scale or likelihood of an event coordinated on this scale. He also announced that a full dossier would be published for parliamentary scrutiny and the public.
The session had been scheduled at the request of the Partido Popular and at the request of the Prime Minister himself. In the chamber, members distinguished between facts already established, political assessments and investigations still under way. Opposition MPs called for more information about the chain of communication, any warnings in the weeks before 30 July 2026 and responsibilities within the security apparatus. The government defended the measures swiftly taken on the ground, including increased police presence, short-term accommodation and medical care, and pointed to coordination between state, regional and municipal services.
Sánchez stressed that routine situation reports had not suggested an operation capable of mobilising tens of thousands of people simultaneously. He said the publication of the dossier now announced would document the available records, reporting channels and timing of decisions. Parliamentary questions and investigative steps are also under way, with more precise answers expected in the coming weeks.
As an immediate financial response, the Consejo de Ministros approved an aid and investment package worth 309 million euros. It includes funding to stabilise public services in Ceuta, provide accommodation and care, and support infrastructure and security. The package runs until 31 December 2026; the relevant bodies are preparing deadlines for applications and payments. According to the Interior and Finance departments, the funds will be released in stages and evaluated regularly.
Regardless of the political dispute, the official government figure for arrivals remains about 72,000, while some estimates put the total higher. The announced release of documents and inspection reports is intended to make this discrepancy clear. Further political assessments — for example, about the role of external actors — are statements by those involved, not established facts. Publication of the dossier and answers to parliamentary questions are intended to consolidate the facts and provide a basis for follow-up measures.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).