Spanish PM denies prior warnings before Ceuta crisis

Madrid – Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told the lower house on Tuesday that it was “absurd” to suggest the government was aware of, and did nothing about, the events that sparked mass demonstrations across Spain. In a parliamentary session, Sánchez rejected accusations that his administration had ignored warnings or failed to intervene, emphasizing that no evidence had been presented to prove prior knowledge of the incident that ignited the protests.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in major cities, including Barcelona, Valencia and Seville, demanding accountability and calling for transparent investigations. Organisers said the rallies were a response to a recent police operation that resulted in civilian casualties, prompting widespread criticism of security forces and calls for policy reforms. The government announced that an independent inquiry would be launched to examine the circumstances, while urging calm and respect for public order as the investigation proceeds.