Archbishop Jesús Sanz Montes invokes ‘Reconquista’ regarding Ceuta migration

Jesús Sanz Montes, the Archbishop of Oviedo, has drawn attention to the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta by referring to the Covadonga sanctuary as a ‘place of the Reconquista’. His comments align with nationwide demonstrations in Spain protesting current migration policies and supporting the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla.

The Archbishop criticized the current administration, citing ‘the weakness of a failed governance’ in the face of Moroccan claims. This follows a significant border event on July 30, when tens of thousands of migrants reportedly crossed illegally into Ceuta, with some reports citing figures as high as 80,000 people.

Protests across Spain, including in Asturias, have featured slogans such as ‘Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta is defended’ and have included calls against Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.