Marlaska lashes out at the PP over security criticisms in Ceuta and reminds them of their years in government: "They didn't invest a penny"

The Minister of Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has taken advantage of his visit this Monday to Ceuta to respond to the Popular Party for its criticisms of security in the city. "It seems absolutely hypocritical to me that they talk about security" those who, he affirmed, during their years in the central Government "did not invest a penny" in personnel or at the border.

The response came when journalists asked him if he retracted his words about the "subjective feeling of insecurity" of the Ceutians. The question alluded to the incidents registered since the massive entry of migrants at the end of July and to the complaints of residents and agents. Marlaska has condemned any violent act, but has maintained his position and has contrasted the management of his department with that of previous PP governments.

To support it, the minister has assured that criminality in Ceuta fell 13 points between June 2018 and July 30, 2026. He has also quantified a 16% increase in police personnel during that period and more than 37 million euros in state investment at the Ceuta border. These data end just before the crisis they were asking him about. Marlaska has defended that his objective now is to recover as soon as possible the security levels prior to that entry.

The visit has also occurred in the midst of an institutional disagreement. The president of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, cited agenda problems for not meeting with Marlaska, according to government sources. In Moncloa, they have reproached him for finding time this Monday to meet with the leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, and with the president of the European People's Party, Manfred Weber.

Thousands of people still without reception

Beyond the political clash, Marlaska has estimated that between 3,000 and 3,500 people remain outside reception resources in Ceuta. He has insisted that this is a provisional calculation, pending the completion of identifications and registrations. The State currently has just over 6,000 places and is working to reach between 9,000 and 10,000, although the minister has not given a date for opening the new spaces.

The head of the Interior Ministry also defended the reinforcements allocated to processing the files. According to the figures he provided, 78 agents from the immigration brigade and 11 employees from the Asylum and Refugee Office are working in person in Ceuta, in addition to the staff who continue processing from Madrid. He announced another 20 modules for the Tarajal temporary reception center next week, accompanied by more personnel for identification and immigration.

Regarding returns to Morocco, Marlaska explained that the files of those who have requested international protection will be resolved before deciding whether their return is appropriate. He believes that the majority will end up returning, given the low asylum recognition rates in previous applications from Moroccan citizens. Asked several times about how many returns have been executed so far, he did not offer a specific figure.

The minister also referred to the friendly match between the U-20 national teams of Spain and Mexico scheduled for September 30 in Ceuta. He explained that the Police warned of difficulties due to the characteristics of the stadium, the short notice of the call, and current security needs. According to Marlaska, that report did not prohibit holding the match and the final decision rested with the Spanish Football Federation.

Minors and the standoff with Vivas

The care of minors has once again pitted the central government against that of Ceuta. Marlaska estimated that around 2,400 minors have been identified so far and noted that about 500 remain in resources enabled by the State. He recalled that guardianship corresponds to the Autonomous City and assured that the Interior Ministry needs its collaboration to complete the files.

The minister attributed the delay in identifications to the fact that the Ceuta executive took time to designate a legal representative to assist with the procedures. As he announced, starting this Tuesday, the aim is to carry out 50 identifications daily. The accusation adds to the discrepancies between both administrations regarding the care of minors and their possible transfer to the Peninsula.

Marlaska has placed family reunification as the first option when it is appropriate for each minor. He specified that the files will be sent to Morocco as they are completed, without waiting to complete all cases. If reunification is not appropriate, he added, the State must guarantee their protection in Spain, taking into account their circumstances and their best interest.