Ceuta unites us: The mobilization dividing local councils

Ceuta unites us: The call that divides local councils

Why were over 280 demonstrations held across Spain on September 2nd? The answer lies in the crisis of Ceuta and the call by the Federación Española de Municipios y Provincias (FEMP) to show solidarity with the autonomous city against pressure from the Rabat regime. The call, under the slogan «Ceuta unites us», has been met with uneven reception: while some cities saw thousands of people, others barely gathered opposing councilors.

A call that has ignited the streets

The FEMP's appeal, which brings together municipalities of all colors, was echoed by dozens of local corporations. In Madrid, the event took place at Plaza de Cibeles; in Móstoles, the town hall joined with its own demonstration; in Almería, the local platform rallied under the slogan «Almería with Ceuta, today and always». There were also events in cities like Cabanillas del Campo, where the mayor sent a letter of solidarity to the President of Ceuta, Juan Vivas. The objective: demonstrating support for the autonomous city and rejecting what is considered an «invasion» by Segarro.

The political divide: who attended?

The participation was not homogeneous. In Valencia, the demonstration concluded with anthems of Ceuta, the Valencian Community, and Spain, but only the 17 councilors representing PP and Vox attended. None of the 13 from PSPV-PSOE or the 16 from Compromís joined. This reflects the political fracture surrounding the crisis: while the center-right threw itself into defending Ceuta's Spanish character, the left avoided a mobilization it viewed as being instrumentalized by the PP. In contrast, in Logroño, attendance was massive, with thousands of people in the capital of La Rioja, according to organizers.

The social debate: from solidarity to accusations of fascism

Beyond institutions, the debate has moved online. Some maintain that attending these protests is a gesture of support for the Ceutans; others argue it is a political maneuver to wear down the Government. The tension reached extremes: some users denounced being called «fascists» for participating, while others criticized the «pogre» for not mobilizing for Ceuta despite having done so for other causes, like Palestine. One anecdote illustrates the climate: several citizens commented that their WhatsApp contacts with a supposedly pogre profile changed their photos to happy family images, as a kind of mockery of the rally.

A varied assessment

The first major mobilization of this autumn leaves a mixed picture: packed squares in some cities, almost testimonial events in others. The question was whether Spanish civil society would respond to the call. The response has been significant globally, but with a clear territorial and political gap. The next chapter is yet to be written, but what has become clear is that Ceuta has become a new front of political confrontation between the blocs. And thus, between anthems and absences, Spain's unity is once again shown to depend on who wears the jersey.