Firefighters, national police, civil guards, local police officers, healthcare personnel, and other workers who have remained on the front line during the migratory crisis hitting Ceuta since the end of July gathered this Tuesday in the Plaza de los Reyes to demand solutions to a situation they consider unsustainable and that, as they have warned, is pushing the city's response capacity to the limit.
The protest brought together hundreds of people in the city center, in an event where numerous flags of Spain and Ceuta were seen, the sirens of emergency vehicles were heard, and slogans were chanted demanding clear action from the different administrations.
Before the event began, the attendees observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims linked to the crisis. Following this, messages of support for the professionals who, in recent weeks, have had to face the consequences of the massive arrival of migrants to the autonomous city were delivered.
Throughout the mobilization, slogans such as "Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta defends itself," "Ceuta is Spain," or calls for resignation directed at the Government delegate, Miguel Ángel Pérez Triano, were repeated, with some of those present reproaching him for a lack of response to the situation the city is experiencing.
One of the most significant moments of the concentration occurred when firefighters unfurled a large banner from a fire truck with the message "Europe, help," a call that received the support of a good part of the attendees and was accompanied by demands for both national and community institutions to get involved in seeking effective solutions.
EXCEPTIONAL SITUATION
During the reading of the manifesto, the organizers emphasized that Ceuta is experiencing an exceptional situation that is impacting security, the functioning of public services, and coexistence, and they called for unity among citizens to face the crisis.
"Ceuta cannot fall into chaos," the organizers stressed, calling for the involvement of all of Ceuta's society, regardless of their origin, religion, or condition. At the same time, they claimed that residents of the city should have the same protection and guarantees as any other Spanish citizen.
The manifesto has also emphasized the professionals who sustain essential services. Police officers, civil guards, firefighters, healthcare personnel, social workers, and employees from other fields have received explicit recognition for the effort made during the last few weeks.
The organizers have demanded more material and human resources, greater institutional support, and legal security for these groups, understanding that they cannot be forced to face extreme scenarios without the adequate means or the necessary support from the administrations.