Spain’s Minister for Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, has denied media accusations that the government hid a July report predicting a “highly probable” mass crossing of migrants into Ceuta. Speaking in Madrid after a meeting with Ceuta officials, Torres insisted the Delegation’s 24 July memo was circulated to all relevant ministries and that preventive measures—including extra Guardia Civil patrols and emergency triage facilities—were activated before the late-July surge. The minister’s remarks follow an expose by local newspaper El Pueblo de Ceuta alleging that the internal alert was buried, contributing to the breach that saw thousands enter the enclave on 30–31 July. Torres argued that operational decisions are confidential but acknowledged that coordination protocols will be reviewed. The opposition has seized on the story to demand a parliamentary inquiry. For global mobility and security managers, the spat is a reminder of how quickly the situation on Spain’s North African borders can deteriorate and of the political sensitivity surrounding early-warning intelligence. Companies with staff in Ceuta or Tangier should ensure contingency evacuation and communication plans remain up to date. The affair may also influence Spain’s push within the EU for burden-sharing rules in the forthcoming Migration and Asylum Pact: critics say Madrid must first demonstrate robust internal coordination before asking Brussels for extra solidarity funding.
Source: Europa Press
