Spanish Far-Right Activists Protest Migration in Madrid Amid Ceuta Crisis

Dozens of far-right activists raised their arms in Nazi-style salutes and sang a Spanish fascist anthem in Madrid on Wednesday, amid protests against the government’s handling of migration.

Between 60 and 70 members of Núcleo Nacional, an ultra-nationalist anti-immigrant group, participated in broader demonstrations across Spain. The protests, called by Spain’s conservative People’s Party and far-right Vox party, drew about 50,000 people in Madrid. They responded to an influx of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish territory. Núcleo Nacional activists chanted, "Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta will defend itself," and sang "Cara al Sol," a fascist anthem.

The demonstration resulted in clashes, with four arrests and four police officers injured. Protesters also confronted journalists. In late July, tens of thousands of mostly Moroccan immigrants surged into Ceuta, with thousands remaining. This created diplomatic tensions, especially with Italy. Migrants in Ceuta were reportedly filmed pulling a baby bottlenose dolphin from the waves and beating it to death, sparking outrage, as dolphins are a protected species.

The Spanish opposition is described as engaging in warmongering against Morocco, framing the Ceuta crisis as a proxy battle. Spain's Prime Minister Sánchez is seen as standing alone in defence of Morocco. Spain is preparing a new migrant shelter in Ceuta and has seized control of its border.