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Sánchez Explains Support for Morocco in Ceuta Crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended his support for Morocco during the ongoing migration crisis in Ceuta.

Ceuta is a Spanish city located on the north coast of Africa, next to Morocco. It has seen a large number of migrants arriving in recent months.

During an interview on the TV show 'El Intermedio' with host Wyoming, Sánchez explained his position. He said that Morocco is the country where most migrants who arrived must eventually return.

Sánchez argued that good relations with Morocco are necessary to manage the crisis effectively. He believes Morocco plays a key role in controlling migration flows into Ceuta.

The Spanish leader also said that the government still needs time to fully stabilise the situation in Ceuta. He estimated that this process could take until the end of the year.

This suggests that the government does not expect a quick solution. Instead, officials are preparing for months of continued work to manage the number of arrivals.

The interview took place live, and Sánchez gave the latest updates on the situation in Ceuta during the conversation.

The crisis has put pressure on the Spanish government to find a long-term plan for handling migration from Africa, while keeping a working relationship with Morocco.

Vocabulary10 words

migration crisis
a very difficult situation caused by many people moving to a new place
return
to go back to where you came from
stabilise
to make a situation calm and steady
relations
the connection between two countries or groups
migration flows
the movement of many people from one place to another
estimated
guessed a number or time based on information
arrivals
people who have just come to a place
pressure
strong influence pushing someone to act
long-term plan
an idea for what to do over a long time
officials
people who work for the government

Quiz

1. Why does Sánchez support good relations with Morocco?
2. How long does Sánchez think it will take to stabilise Ceuta?
3. Where did Sánchez give this interview?

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended his support for Morocco during the ongoing _____ in Ceuta.

Ceuta is a Spanish city located on the north coast of Africa, next to _____.

During an interview on the TV show 'El Intermedio' with host _____, Sánchez explained his position.

He said that Morocco is the country where most migrants who arrived must eventually _____.

Sánchez argued that good _____ with Morocco are necessary to manage the crisis effectively.

The Spanish leader also said that the government still needs time to fully _____ the situation in Ceuta.

He _____ that this process could take until the end of the year.

The crisis has put _____ on the Spanish government to find a long-term plan.

Discussion questions

  1. Why might good relations with Morocco help manage migration in Ceuta?
  2. Do you think it is fair to ask migrants to return to a country they passed through?
  3. What challenges might a government face when trying to 'stabilise' a migration crisis?
  4. How important do you think TV interviews are for politicians to explain difficult decisions?

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