BERLIN July 31, 2026 – Germany’s far-left Die Linke party has demanded that Germany and the European Union take in migrants who entered the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta in a major irregular crossing from Morocco this week.
Clara Bünger, vice-chair of Die Linke’s parliamentary group and its interior and migration policy spokesperson, said Spain should not be left alone to handle the situation. “Deutschland und die EU stehen in der Pflicht, bei der Versorgung zu helfen und Schutzsuchende aufzunehmen” (“Germany and the EU have a duty to help with care and to take in those seeking protection”), she stated.
Bünger described the events as “keine Naturkatastrophe, sondern das Ergebnis politischer Entscheidungen” (“not a natural disaster, but the result of political decisions”). She argued that people are fleeing war, poverty and the climate crisis, adding that higher walls only make journeys more deadly. “Jetzt zählt zuerst, dass niemand mehr stirbt,” she said, calling for medical care, water and safe shelter for those still in the enclave.
Spanish authorities reported that around 50,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco over roughly 24–48 hours beginning Thursday, with the local government estimating the figure as high as 60,000. The enclave has a population of approximately 83,000–85,000. At least 34 people died according to some official tallies, while other reports put the death toll at 57 or more; many drowned or were crushed while attempting to swim around or scale the Tarajal breakwater.
By Friday evening, Spanish officials said the majority had returned voluntarily to Morocco—figures ranged from more than 37,500 to around 48,300. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the influx “a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity,” blamed human trafficking networks, deployed additional police, Civil Guard and military units, and visited the enclave. He announced plans for floating barriers and accelerated returns.
The German government has taken a different stance. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) cited the Ceuta events when announcing an extension of Germany’s border controls. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also emphasized the need for Morocco to take back irregular migrants promptly.
Die Linke’s position has drawn sharp criticism in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, where some politicians have questioned Spain’s border management and called for tighter controls or temporary restrictions on free movement. The crisis has highlighted ongoing divisions within the EU over migration responsibility, returns and external border security.
As of Friday, Spanish forces continued to manage remaining arrivals and returns while emergency services in Ceuta remained under strain.
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