Activists and political parties are warning against using migrants and children “as political weapons” while reminding everyone that “no human being is illegal.” The Spanish government has accused the People’s Party (PP) of exploiting the situation surrounding a planned manifestation for Ceuta, stating, “Spanish identity demands respect for institutions.”
On Wednesday, September 2, the Tenerife Migrant Network and the MIGRA Collective Platform will hold a counter-protest at 7 pm near the Cabildo de Tenerife. This follows over 260 municipalities across Spain holding rallies called by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) in honour of Ceuta Day.
“Nobody is illegal; we stand against racism, xenophobia, and hate,” say the organising groups. They are calling for a “peaceful” assembly, urging attendees to wear purple or similar colours to advocate for migrants’ rights.
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, another counter-protest will be held at the same time under the slogan, “When will they care for our lives?” This event, supported by FAAC, Kounki, #RegularizaciónYA, and Derecho al Techo, aims to promote rights, solidarity, and community.
Gran Canaria’s Acción Anticapitalista has urged the public not to join the FEMP-led demonstrations, claiming they serve the interests of right-wing parties such as the PP and Vox.
Politically, the Canarian Left Union (IUC) has urged the Canarian Federation of Municipalities (FECAM) to not endorse the mobilisations, labelling them partisan. They pointed out that the FEMP’s call for action was made unilaterally by its president, María José García-Pelayo from the PP, without agreement from her governing body — a move rejected by various political groups including Socialists, IUC, ERC, and Junts.
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a protest backed by the local council, led by CC and the PP, has been scheduled. In La Laguna, the Podemos party has also requested that the council abstain from supporting the concentration, describing it as a “partisan initiative.” Councillor Saúl Alberola stated that “La Laguna must show its solidarity with Ceuta but not be complicit in a mobilization that is clearly politically motivated.” He emphasised that solidarity should manifest through resources and accountability rather than partisan rallies, especially considering the situation also affects the Canary Islands and Melilla.
Alberola concluded, “We do not accept the use of migrants or children as political weapons, neither from Morocco nor from the Spanish right. The response must be institutional cooperation, territorial solidarity, and the protection of individuals.”
Podemos Canarias supports the Tenerife counter-protest and advocates for “rights, dignity, and coexistence” in opposition to hate.
FEMP President María José García-Pelayo clarified that her call for demonstrations across Spain aimed at advocating for “justice” and anticipated support from all political groups “for common sense.” She stressed the importance of avoiding confrontation and prioritising “humanity and solidarity with the city, as what happens in Ceuta affects Spain too,” urging collaboration to resolve the issues facing the autonomous city.
She highlighted the sentiments stirred across Spain amid the ongoing crisis in Ceuta and defended the right to express oneself “without violence and with respect.”
Demonstrations in the Canary Islands are set to commence at 7 pm, aligning with the nationwide FEMP call. Two events are organised in Gran Canaria, one in Las Palmas at Plaza de Santa Ana and another in Telde at Plaza de San Juan. Carlos Sánchez, head of the PP in Gran Canaria, has encouraged residents from all 21 municipalities to attend the gathering at Santa Ana.
Fuerteventura plans to hold its protests near the council in Puerto del Rosario, governed by CC, and in Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife, governed by the PP and CC.
