Sánchez and Vivas Clash Over Responsibility for Ceuta's Migrant Minors

The political crisis over thousands of unaccompanied minors still on the streets of Ceuta more than six weeks after a mass border crossing has escalated into a bitter public dispute between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the city's president, Juan Jesús Vivas. When asked by journalists why an estimated 700–1,000 children remain without shelter, Sánchez replied, "Eso, a Vivas. Pregúntenle" ("That's for Vivas. Ask him") Source: El Mundo. This response has been widely criticized as evasive and dismissive Source: El Español.

The competence clash

The core of the disagreement is which level of government is responsible for the minors. The central government insists that the care and custody of unaccompanied foreign minors falls to the autonomous city Source: Infobae. Vivas's administration counters that its legal mandate is limited to "acogida y tutela" (reception and guardianship), while the state is responsible for identification, registration, and transfer Source: Infobae. A further dispute has emerged over who should pay the €80 cost of forensic age-determination tests, with Ceuta demanding Madrid cover the expense and the Ministry of Health pointing to existing regulations that place the burden on the city Source: Infobae.

Political fallout and accusations

The exchange has deepened the political rift. The opposition Popular Party (PP) accuses Sánchez of abandoning Ceuta, while the government claims the PP is "cronificando" (chronicling) the crisis for political gain Source: Euronews. Some analysts suggest the government's handling may be a calculated strategy to boost the far-right Vox party and erode PP support Source: COPE. Meanwhile, the European Parliament is set to debate a resolution condemning Morocco's role in the border assault, and the EU has proposed emergency legislation to expedite deportations Source: El Español.