Podemos explodes against Von der Leyen for praising Morocco after the Ceuta migratory tragedy

Podemos has charged against Ursula von der Leyen for congratulating Morocco after the migratory crisis that has left almost a hundred dead between Ceuta and Moroccan waters. The party's state co-spokesperson, Pablo Fernández, has described as "psychedelic" the fact that the President of the European Commission praises Rabat after what happened at the border.

"Almost 100 dead. Nobody remembers them," Fernández denounced. The latest balance includes 88 bodies recovered in Ceuta and another eleven recognized by the Moroccan authorities, while doubts persist about how tens of thousands of people were able to reach the autonomous city by land and sea in just a few hours.

The reaction responds to the letter sent this Monday by Von der Leyen to Pedro Sánchez. The conservative leader congratulated the president for the "rapid management" of returns and assured that Spanish and Moroccan authorities acted "efficiently and effectively" in the face of the massive entry.

Von der Leyen also believes that the crisis demonstrates the need to strengthen European borders through closer surveillance and "the use of physical barriers when necessary". Her proposal also includes improving early warning systems and increasing technical and financial support from the European Union to Morocco.

The recognition of Rabat has angered Podemos amid suspicions that Moroccan authorities allowed or facilitated the departures. The National Court has already requested a police report to determine if the massive entry responded to a concerted action, although for now there is no judicial conclusion on the origin of what happened.

Podemos points against European migration policy

The purple party has been at odds with the Government for several days over its response in Ceuta. Pablo Fernández demanded declaring a national emergency, sending more personnel and health staff, and even called for the resignation of Fernando Grande-Marlaska if the Interior continued without addressing the humanitarian dimension of the crisis.

Irene Montero denounced on July 31 that Spain and Europe have been paying countries like Morocco, Libya, and Mauritania for years to take over migration control. The MEP warned that this dependence allows Rabat to use the border as a pressure tool and advocated for the opening of legal and safe routes to prevent new deaths.

Pablo Fernández has now extended his criticism to the entire community policy. "The EU's migratory policies, signed by PP and PSOE, are disastrous and far-right, turning the Mediterranean and the Atlantic into mass graves," stated the Podemos leader.