Reactionary International" As He Sought to Deflect Blame From Morocco Over the Mass Border Crossing Into Ceuta, While Also Citing "Very

José Manuel Albares spoke to Spanish public television on Monday, three days after hundreds of Moroccan citizens surged into the Spanish enclave, as Madrid stuck to its strategy of absolving Rabat of responsibility for the influx. The minister repeatedly insisted that "very unusual activity on social media" distorted a Supreme Court ruling and created a pull effect, while also accusing a "reactionary international" of coordinating to "spread lies" about the situation. His remarks came a day before an extraordinary EU meeting of interior ministers from the 27 member states, requested by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to address the migration phenomenon and member states' reactions.

Several countries had called for stronger borders, with some even proposing closing the Schengen area to protect against mass arrivals. While Albares claimed that "all ministries have done what is in their power, he did not specify what went wrong to allow so many people to enter. He repeatedly highlighted Moroccan assistance, saying: "The facts are that from the very first moment Morocco offered its collaboration to try to prevent that flow of people and for them to return.

And it continues to offer that collaboration so that the last person returns to Morocco. He also outlined three lines of action: reinforcing the breakwater device to make such an event harder, monitoring social media to identify who is behind the hoaxes, and intensifying diplomatic channels with Morocco. "Without solidarity there is no Europe, Albares said, adding that "there have been states, governments and political parties that have not risen to the occasion.

He singled out Italy, whose foreign minister's comments led Madrid to summon its ambassador for consultations. Noting that Italy, led by Giorgia Meloni, tops the list for migrant entries, Albares declared: "I demand and ask for unity."