The president of Ceuta, in Madrid: “Behind the coup is Morocco”

MadridThe entire leadership of the PP and the vast majority of the barons of the party had an appointment in Madrid this Monday: an informative breakfast by Juan Jesús Vivas at the Nueva Economía Fórum. The president of Ceuta traveled to the Spanish capital 39 days after the massive entry of migrants into the autonomous city that still marks the day-to-day of political news, and in the midst of multiplying political tension and crossed reproaches with the Spanish government. The person in charge of introducing him was Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who praised him for having “embodied the dignity of the State like no one else” and for acting as an “ideal president” to defend Ceuta in “times of unrest”. “You have a place in the hearts of millions of Spaniards,” he said.

But all ears were on the intervention of Juan Jesús Vivas, who directly held Morocco responsible for the crisis: “Based on indications and convictions, I am convinced that Morocco is behind the blow,” he proclaimed. And he accused the Alawite country of promoting “migratory pressure” as an “instrument with political ends” to “put at risk the territorial integrity” of Spain. He also warned that Ceuta is facing an “existential crisis” and a “situation of maximum alarm for national security”. Likewise, he had time to throw darts at the Spanish government: “Its behavior has not been adequate, it has not been up to the task either before, during, or after the invasion,” he said. He criticized the “indolence” and “irresponsibility” of the Moncloa, demanded that the truth “be known in all its terms” and anticipated that King Felipe VI will visit the autonomous city “soon”.

A panegyric of Vivas

During the half hour prior to the start of the breakfast, the barons of the PP arrived in a cascade. And, like someone queuing at a wedding photocall to take a picture for posterity, they waited to parade before the journalists. The first was Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, president of Castile and León, who presented Vivas as an “example of courage, common sense, integrity, and leadership”. The Murcian Fernando López Miras praised his “irreproachable work” and his “political stature” and maintained that “he is making up for the absence of the government of Spain”. Just as he was finishing, Vivas arrived, who was received by the press like a true rock star. Not without difficulty, he managed to slip away from the spotlights and the flashes.

The Galician Alfonso Rueda took the opportunity to sneak—unconsciously—into the wait to speak before the microphones and predict that the criticisms from the Spanish government towards Vivas will increase as “his incompetence and the feeling of having done things poorly continues to grow”. The Valencian Juanfran Pérez Llorca asked Pedro Sánchez's executive to dedicate themselves to “criticizing less and acting more”, and the Andalusian Juanma Moreno Bonilla accused the Spanish government of leading Ceuta into a “chaotic situation” with “overwhelming indolence”. Inside the event, by surprise, the Madrilenian Isabel Díaz Ayuso took the floor: “What were they looking for? What will be the next thing that happens?”, she asked in relation to the role of Morocco.

“They have to get out of here”

The main hall of the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid, two minutes from the central Puerta del Sol, was packed to the rafters to hear Juan Jesús Vivas. When he entered, escorted by Feijóo and the president of Andalusia, the audience welcomed him with a rather timid applause that lasted a minute. One of those queuing to greet him was Alejandro Fernández, who hugged him. Afterwards, the president of the PP of Catalonia greeted Feijóo less effusively, with a tap on the shoulder.

Among the attendees who did not want to miss it, sharing a table, were Esperanza Aguirre, former president of the Community of Madrid, and María Dolores de Cospedal, former Minister of Defense and former secretary general of the PP. Two former PSOE officials were also present: Ander Gil, former president of the Senate, and Ángel Gabilondo, current Ombudsman. As well as Ramon Tamames, who was a deputy for the Communist Party during the Transition and Vox's candidate for the 2023 motion of no confidence, and Albert Rivera, former leader of Ciudadanos.

“You have to get out of here, we are already live,” said one of the organization's hosts while the photographers and cameramen filmed the presidential table from the stage. Just before, the president of Nueva Economía Fórum had to make signals to launch the event's intro and be able to start. But when the welcome began, no one had sat down yet. And Feijóo and Ayuso, one on each side of Vivas, took the opportunity to greet each other by holding hands, like parents congratulating each other on their child's wedding. “Colleagues, you have to get out of here,” insisted another host shortly after.