Ahead of the EU interior ministers' emergency meeting on the situation in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, Left Party leader Ines Schwerdtner sharply criticized the conduct of Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). "The federal government is once again falling into the trap of the ultra-right," Schwerdtner told the news agency AFP in Berlin on Tuesday. She said she found it "frightening how quickly the federal government has zeroed in on Spain" over the question of responsibility for the mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta.
"Friedrich Merz is throwing himself at the neck of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and others from the far-right camp in no time at all, before it has even been clarified what actually happened in Ceuta," Schwerdtner criticized. She pointed out that there is "growing evidence" that "targeted disinformation on social media led people to believe the Spanish border was open."
The possible role of AI-generated content and a targeted disinformation campaign must now urgently be clarified, the party leader demanded. "Luring people into mortal danger with false promises would be a new and particularly perfidious form of political destabilization and hybrid warfare."
Germany should now stand by Spain's side and work together with its European partners to clarify the background, the Left Party leader said. Chancellor Merz must not make himself a "henchman of the European right" following the pattern: "First a crisis is politically exploited, then culprits are sought, and in the end the answer is always the same: even higher fences, even more sealing-off."
Last week, tens of thousands of migrants, some swimming, crossed from Morocco into neighboring Ceuta. According to the Spanish government, almost all of them have since returned. The incident triggered a fierce dispute within the EU over migration policy. The EU interior ministers are therefore meeting on Tuesday for an emergency session via video conference.
The special session was requested by the heads of state and government of 22 EU member states in a joint letter, including Chancellor Merz. According to the letter, the aim is to prevent "mass and uncontrolled border crossings" in the future.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
