PP- and Vox-Backed Rally Draws Tens of Thousands in Madrid, Demands Early Elections Over Ceuta

The right-wing civil society group Sociedad Civil Española, backed by the Partido Popular and Vox, staged a mass rally in Madrid demanding early elections by mid-November and accusing PM Pedro Sánchez's government of mismanaging the Ceuta crisis. Government estimates put attendance at 20,000; organisers claimed 180,000. PP secretary-general Miguel Tellado said there is 'a widespread feeling that the government has not acted responsibly; there has been a dereliction of duty, extreme negligence,' while Vox leader Santiago Abascal said Ceuta remained 'invaded because Sánchez continues to be Morocco's servant' and called for Sánchez to face treason charges. Socialist minister Óscar López criticised the PP for standing alongside Vox at the rally instead of 'seeking solutions.' The protest came as the government prepared to unveil an accelerated-returns decree days later.