Felipe VI is very concerned about the violation of territorial sovereignty that has occurred in Ceuta with the massive entry of people swimming from Morocco. Since the phenomenon began a week ago, the King has sought a way to materialize his support for the Spanish autonomous city. Wishing to travel there but aware that his presence is not convenient at this time—and the King’s trips require the constitutional backing of the Government—Don Felipe has found a way to stage his support for Ceuta without it being considered a provocation to Morocco.
The King will receive the president of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, this Thursday at the Marivent Palace, the summer residence of the Royal Family. This is an exceptional audience with which Felipe VI wants to stage the support of the Crown for the Autonomous City after a week of almost daily telephone contact and being aware of the problem faced by Ceuta and Melilla, besieged by Morocco.
It will be at six in the afternoon when Felipe VI meets with the president of Ceuta, who since the migration crisis began last Wednesday has not stopped asking for help and solidarity from the rest of Spain to relieve a city that nearly doubled its population in just 24 hours. Thus, 84,000 people live in Ceuta and, according to the latest official figure, 72,000 entered.
Don Felipe is very aware of the seriousness of this migratory phenomenon. From the very beginning, he spoke with the president of the Government, Pedro Sánchez; the leader of the opposition, Alberto Núñez Feijóo; and the presidents of the two autonomous cities to have a complete view and show the support and “indignation” of the head of state. The Monarch also issued a statement in which he affirmed that “the State must ensure the safety of citizens,” because he is aware that more than a migratory problem, it is a security problem.
Visit to Ceuta and Melilla
Ceuta and Melilla are as Spanish as Málaga or Albacete. This is an argument the Government insists on a lot when asked about it. However, aware that Moroccan diplomacy has spent years trying to promote its narrative that they are ‘occupied colonies,’ the institutional presence is very limited.
Pedro Sánchez has been the president of the Government who has traveled to both cities the most times, but the King has not been able to visit them. Don Felipe and Doña Letizia would like to go, as they are the only ones they have never set foot in. His predecessor, Juan Carlos I, made a single visit during his reign, in 2007.
The Kings treat the two enclaves with special affection in their agenda throughout the year. Don Felipe regularly receives the autonomous presidents. On the 10th anniversary of the proclamation, the Royal Guard Music Unit offered a concert in Ceuta; and Doña Sofía has visited both enclaves in her work with the Food Bank. And the Princess of Asturias, aboard the frigate ‘Blas de Lezo,’ made a technical stop in the city.
