Ceuta leader says government could have prevented migrant influx

Juan Vivas, president of Ceuta, appeared on El Hormiguero to discuss the crisis facing the autonomous city nearly three months after a mass migrant entry. He said the situation should not be politicized because it affects the core of peaceful democratic coexistence. Vivas stated that territorial integrity was violated and national sovereignty was put at risk, calling it the most important national security crisis in Spain's democracy.

Vivas accused the central government of failing to act in time. He said the government and its president could have prevented the invasion but did not do so, despite having the available capacities and means to contain, dissuade, and avoid the mass entry.

“The government could and the president of the government could have avoided the invasion and did not do it.”

He also criticized the absence of administrative resolutions leading to expulsions. Vivas noted that a decree to streamline returns was prepared but withdrawn from the Council of Ministers because Sumar did not like it.

According to figures provided by Vivas, 60,000 people entered Spanish territory on that day. He said 15,000 people still remain in Ceuta.

Vivas described how daily life has changed. Parents do not send children to school calmly, women do not walk the streets safely, hospital emergency services are collapsed, and residents cannot enjoy parks with their children. He called the situation absolutely far from normality and unacceptable.

Despite this, Vivas said Ceuta is wounded but standing, with firm determination to move forward. He addressed those who promoted the attack, insisting there are two things that