Embattled Spanish PM Sánchez insists no prior warnings before Ceuta crisis
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing intense political pressure following a massive influx of migrants into the exclave of Ceuta. While the government denies prior knowledge of the event, opposition leaders and public protesters are calling for his resignation.
Why it matters
The crisis highlights ongoing tensions regarding European border security and the political stability of the Spanish government.
Image source, Europa Press via Getty Images Image caption, Pedro Sánchez has been criticised for blaming trafficking gangs and social media for the crisis
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said no-one foresaw the influx of 72,000 migrants in the exclave of Ceuta, as pressure mounts over his handling of the crisis.
"It's absurd to think that the government knew and did nothing," Sánchez told Spain's parliament on Thursday, hours after tens of thousands of people joined protests across the country backed by opposition parties.
Sánchez also maintained there was no evidence Morocco was behind the mass crossing and there had been "close co-ordination" between the two countries.
A Spanish police report has highlighted the "total permissiveness" of Moroccan security forces, although senior officials insist it does not point the finger at Rabat.
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