The council's plenary hall hosted the reading of a manifesto emphasizing the unity of action among all local political forces. Mayor Juan Franco initiated the proceedings, highlighting the consensus reached with spokespersons from La Línea 100×100, Partido Popular, and Partido Socialista Obrero Español.
Franco stressed that this act of support for the "sister city" of Ceuta is justified by its "greater institutional prominence." He also announced the concentration planned for 8:00 PM today near the City Hall, urging against tension and defining it as "a demonstration of unity of action in solidarity with Ceuta and the humanitarian tragedy it faces."
Subsequently, the spokespersons for the Popular Party group, Susana González; the Socialist group, Bilal Berouain; and La Línea 100×100, Manuel Abellán, proceeded to read the manifesto.
The manifesto expresses the "affection, closeness, and solidarity" of the La Línea de la Concepción City Council towards the citizens and institutions of Ceuta, particularly following the celebration of Ceuta Day on September 2nd.
It recalls the shared belonging of both cities to the "unique geographical reality of the Strait of Gibraltar" and how border and geopolitical circumstances intensely affect the daily lives of their citizens. The text notes that both urban centers are aware of the consequences of their geographical and border position.
The institutional declaration emphasizes the extraordinary migratory situation facing Ceuta, highlighting that its status as an external border of Spain and the European Union subjects it to pressure that cannot be viewed solely as a problem of the Autonomous City.
It is emphasized that the management of immigration, a complex and international phenomenon, requires coordinated action from the EU, the General State Administration, autonomous communities, and local entities, especially concerning the protection of unaccompanied migrant minors.
The City Council's Plenary session calls for supramunicipal administrations to consider the unique aspects of border territories through specific cooperation, support, and solidarity mechanisms. It also urges the shared responsibility of the EU, the State, and the autonomous communities so that no territory faces extraordinary migratory pressure alone.
Finally, it reaffirms that the migratory challenges affecting external borders are a shared responsibility to be addressed through institutional cooperation, territorial solidarity, orderly and effective management, and respect for human dignity and rights.
Following the event, the mayor and political spokespersons raised the flag of Ceuta on the main facade of the City Hall.
