Thousands gather in Palma in support of Ceuta

Thousands of people took part on Wednesday in the rally in support of Ceuta in Palma, held in Plaça de Cort to show their support and solidarity with the autonomous city. Attendance figures varied considerably depending on the source: Palma City Council put the turnout at 19,000 people, while the Government Delegation, based on figures from the National Police, estimated it at around 8,000.

The rally in support of Ceuta in Palma drew around 8,000 people, according to the Government Delegation. Photo: Palma City Council.

The rally was called by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) in response to the situation in Ceuta following the mass irregular entry of thousands of people across the border on 30 and 31 July. The event also brought together institutional representatives and members of the Ceuta community living in Mallorca.

Institutional support for Ceuta from Palma

The mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez Llabrés, read out the manifesto issued by Spanish local councils in support of Ceuta. During his speech, he said that “Ceuta is not alone” and conveyed Palma’s “firm and unequivocal support” for the autonomous city and its residents.

The manifesto highlighted the response of Ceuta’s society to the situation and recognised the work of professionals and public servants responsible for ensuring security, essential services and peaceful coexistence. It also reaffirmed the defence of Spain’s territorial integrity and Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta.

Those attending the rally in support of Ceuta in Palma included the president of the Govern de les Illes Balears (Government of the Balearic Islands), Marga Prohens; a delegation of councillors from Palma City Council; and representatives of the Ceuta community living in Mallorca.

Marga Prohens, president of the Government of the Balearic Islands, and Jaime Martínez Llabrés, mayor of Palma, during the rally in Cort. Photo: Palma City Council.

The event concluded with performances of the Spanish National Anthem and the Anthem of Ceuta, both played by the Banda Municipal de Palma (Palma Municipal Band).