Tenerife Officials Criticise Government’s Handling of Ceuta Crisis
In a press conference on 2 September 2026, José Miguel Ruano, the second vice president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, condemned the central government’s “poor management” regarding the entry of over 70,000 people into Ceuta.
Ruano expressed solidarity with the people of Ceuta during the gathering, which coincided with nationwide demonstrations aimed at resolving the situation swiftly. “Tenerife stands with Ceuta and its residents,” he stated, calling for a “grand state pact” on managing irregular immigration, emphasising Spain’s role as Europe’s southern border.
He also took aim at Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for being on holiday during such a significant crisis, asserting that urgent matters demand timely responses. “Issues tackled promptly tend to resolve more quickly,” Ruano remarked, highlighting a lack of sufficient diligence from the government in the ongoing situation.
Lope Afonso, Tenerife’s insular vice president, praised the resilience of Ceuta’s citizens in facing this exceptional situation, affirming their need for support from the broader society. He announced plans for a demonstration at the Cabildo plaza to show solidarity.
Afonso raised further concerns over reports suggesting Moroccan gendarmes might have deliberately overwhelmed the border crossing, accusing the Spanish government of being “ineffective and negligent.” He stated that if the government was unaware of this, it indicated a failure in coordination. Conversely, if they were aware and concealed it, the situation would be “inconceivable” for a democratic government. “If such collusion exists in any form regarding an attempted invasion of our territory, then the Prime Minister and his government should resign immediately,” he asserted.
