Ceuta residents shut down planned far‑right rally

Hundreds of residents gathered in the Spanish North‑African enclave of Ceuta on Saturday to demonstrate against a scheduled far‑right rally that authorities had approved for the city’s central square. Police cordoned off the area and maintained a visible presence, while protestors carried banners and chanted slogans calling for the cancellation of the event, which was to be organized by a nationalist coalition linked to similar movements in mainland Spain. The demonstration remained peaceful, with no reports of arrests or clashes, and local officials confirmed that the rally would proceed as planned later in the day.

The opposition reflects ongoing tensions in Ceuta, a city that has faced heightened scrutiny over immigration, security and political polarization. Far‑right groups have increasingly sought to hold public events in the enclave, prompting concerns among community leaders about the potential for social unrest. Municipal authorities reiterated their commitment to uphold public order while respecting the right to assembly, and they indicated that any violations of the law would be addressed promptly. The protest underscores the city’s complex socio‑political landscape as it navigates competing demands for security and freedom of expression.