Rabat – Nearly nine in 10 Spaniards believe Morocco bears a major share of responsibility for the mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta at the end of July, according to a new poll by 40dB for El País and Cadena SER.
The survey also reflects deep frustration with Madrid’s response. Around 72% of respondents said the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez bears a significant degree of responsibility for the crisis, suggesting that the episode has fueled criticism on both sides of the political divide.
The poll drew on 2,000 online interviews conducted from Monday to Wednesday last week. Its results came shortly before a Spanish police report raised the possibility that some Moroccan actors may have played a role in the events surrounding the mass entry into Ceuta.
Public turns against government response
Sánchez’s handling of the crisis received particularly poor marks. About 63% of those surveyed described the government’s response as “bad” or “very bad,” while just 14.2% considered it “good” or “very good.”
The findings also point to a tougher mood on migration. Seven in 10 respondents favor tighter border controls, even if such measures restrict access for vulnerable people who seek protection. Less than one in five instead favor a more open approach that would prioritize the reception of people in need, even if it carries the risk of a larger influx.
That sentiment extends to Spain’s relationship with Morocco. Some 45.7% of respondents favor a tougher stance toward Rabat, while 36.8% believe Spain should strengthen cooperation with Morocco, particularly on border control. Another 8.2% would prefer to keep relations as they are.
Vox gains ground on migration
The Ceuta crisis has also become a major point of public concern. More than 83% of those surveyed said they have followed developments closely, while over 60% view the crisis as one of Spain’s most pressing challenges.
The issue appears to have benefited Vox, Spain’s far-right party. Some 27% of respondents believe Vox is the political force best equipped to handle migration, ahead of the PSOE at 18.4% and the Popular Party (PP) at 13.9%.
The poll also found strong support for Spain’s claim to Ceuta and Melilla. Some 63.6% back continued Spanish sovereignty over the two cities, while 16.8% support dialogue with Morocco over their future. Only 3.9% favor their transfer to Morocco.
The findings point to a Spanish public deeply unsettled by the July crisis, with migration and border security now carrying greater political weight. The results also suggest that the episode has sharpened public pressure on Sánchez while creating further space for Vox to frame migration as a central national security issue.
