The Ministry of the Interior, led since 2018 by former magistrate Fernando Grande-Marlaska, had been systematically compiling files on journalists, complete with passport photos and everything, including a definition of their (alleged) political ideology. The scoop by the daily newspaper Confidencial and the resistance amongst ministry officials

Back in parliament, the Prime Minister acknowledges the existence of an attack on Spain’s “territorial integrity”, but at the same time rules out any responsibility on the part of Rabat. And even members of the governing coalition are beginning to express scepticism

Madrid has finally admitted that its response to the migration crisis has been inadequate. A police report has emerged referring to an operation by the Moroccan security forces

The Spanish Prime Minister addressed his king: “You’ve been ruling for over twenty years – how many times have you visited Ceuta and Melilla?”. The remark was factually incorrect and malicious, as the monarch’s travels must be authorised by the Prime Minister. Barbs and tactical manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 elections.

Whether or not the Prime Minister’s conduct regarding the exclave issue is part of a strategy of tension, public resentment is growing, both amongst migrants and amongst the general population

The Spanish Prime Minister has convened a Cabinet meeting, brought together the National Security Council and set up a single crisis management centre to resolve the humanitarian emergency in the exclave. However, it remains difficult to understand the reasons behind such a slow and contradictory political response

The crisis in Ceuta is bringing to the surface a sense of unease even within the progressive camp: Socialists and allies of the PSOE are criticising the handling of the emergency and are once again questioning the approach to immigration. But with elections looking increasingly difficult and fears of going down with Sánchez, many on the left continue to grumble