Ceuta migration crisis puts pressure on Spain’s Sánchez government

Political pressure on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is growing after the latest developments in Ceuta. At the end of July, at least 72,000 people arrived in the Spanish enclave from neighboring Morocco. Many later returned, but government figures a month afterward still put the number there at around 5,000, including about 1,500 minors.

The events have driven a broad debate over migration and Spain’s relationship with Morocco. Demonstrations in several Spanish cities drew tens of thousands of people, who accused the government of being too accommodating toward Rabat and of failing to support Ceuta adequately. The opposition is now calling for Sánchez to resign and for early elections. ZEIT author Julia Macher assesses how realistic those demands are.

The podcast also examines a European Commission plan to make international rail travel easier and strengthen passenger rights. Under the proposal, travelers would ideally be able to book cross-border journeys with a single through-ticket.

Passengers would also receive more consistent rights when delays cause them to miss connections. The rail industry has criticized the proposal, warning that companies could face additional costs and liability risks if they become responsible for delays across longer journeys. The role of ticket platforms and the allocation of possible compensation costs remain disputed.

The European Parliament will now consider the proposals, after which EU member states must also approve them. The episode explains what is planned and when the new rules might take effect.