Roberto Gualtieri criticizes response to Ceuta migration crisis

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has criticized the political response to the situation in Ceuta, stating that a “wrong attitude” regarding the Spanish enclave is now backfiring on Italy. Speaking at the Rimini Meeting, Gualtieri expressed sadness over the perceived lack of solidarity toward the Spanish government during recent operations in Ceuta. He also noted that Spain's recent decision not to accept Italian asylum seekers demonstrates a shift in moral stance.

Gualtieri further criticized the new EU Asylum and Migration Pact, arguing that it fails to replace the Dublin Regulation and instead reinforces certain principles that were previously considered flawed.

Discussions surrounding the Ceuta crisis highlight a divide in political perspectives regarding migration management. While the Spanish government under Pedro Sánchez has utilized border closures and rapid repatriations to Morocco as a pragmatic response to migration emergencies, these same measures have faced criticism from various Italian political factions when implemented by different administrations.