Spanish lawmakers censure Minister Marlaska over Ceuta crisis

The Spanish Congress has issued a third motion of censure against Interior Minister Fernando Marlaska regarding the border crisis in Ceuta. The initiative passed with 184 votes from the PP, Vox, Junts, ERC, and UPN, while 149 members from PSOE, Sumar, and PNV voted against it. Opposition members accused the government of failing to address the crisis and criticized the handling of irregular entries, with some calling for Marlaska’s resignation.

Simultaneously, the Senate approved a motion led by the People's Party (PP) regarding the situation in Ceuta. The motion demands that the government declare a state of National Security interest and activate procedures for the return or expulsion of those who entered the city irregularly. It also proposes temporarily granting authority status to the Armed Forces to assist in security efforts.

The PP's Senate proposal includes nine blocks of measures, such as reinforcing border security, reorienting diplomatic relations with Morocco based on reciprocity, and implementing an economic reactivation plan for Ceuta and Melilla valued at at least 650 million euros for the 2027-2032 period. The opposition argues the mass entries on July 30 and 31 constituted a grave violation of sovereignty and public order.