Academic Francisco Marhuenda has accused Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of ignoring a crisis in Ceuta caused by thousands of Moroccan migrants. Writing in an opinion column published on August 9, 2026, Marhuenda said Sánchez and his ministers do not care about the situation in the enclave and are focused only on their vacations.
Marhuenda criticized coverage of the event by pro-government television networks and left-wing media outlets. He said those broadcasters claimed many Moroccans who entered Ceuta were university graduates, diploma holders, and homosexuals fleeing their home country. An estimated 10,000 Moroccans remained in Ceuta, according to Marhuenda, though he noted the exact figure is uncertain, including over 8,000 reported graduates and diploma holders.
Images from the scene contradicted media portrayals, Marhuenda stated. He said left-wing media outlets accepted government propaganda to obscure high youth unemployment rates in Morocco. He added that migrants crossed into Spain because they lack employment at home and the Moroccan government does not provide financial subsidies.
Financial costs and government management
Entering Spain illegally is more profitable for migrants than remaining in Morocco, Marhuenda said. He asserted that the arrival of migrants will cost Spain hundreds of millions of euros in direct and indirect costs. He also alleged that people close to power have enriched themselves through state budgets under Sánchez, claiming public money is granted to political loyalists rather than based on merit and ability.
Marhuenda noted that the situation is tragic for migrants who fall into the hands of human trafficking mafias or die trying to cross. He placed ultimate blame on incompetent governments in both Spain and Morocco for failing to manage the issue efficiently while respecting human rights.
Academic credentials and future spending
The intense focus on Ceuta will fade within days, Marhuenda predicted. However, he stated that millions of euros will still be spent to support the migrants who stayed in Spain.
Marhuenda is a professor of public law and history of institutions at UNIE University. He serves as a full member of the Royal Academy of Jurisprudence and Legislation of Spain and the Royal Academy of Doctors of Spain, and is a corresponding member of the Royal Academy of History.
