Spanish migrant protests erupt with fascist chants and Nazi salutes
Photo: Núcleo Nacional demonstrators during a rally in Spain (Albert Llop)
In Spain, against the backdrop of massive protests against the government's migration policy, activists from the ultra-right movement Núcleo Nacional displayed gestures associated with the Nazi salute. Participants in the rally also performed a song linked to the regime of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, according to The Jerusalem Post.
The protests occurred following an influx of migrants from Morocco to the Spanish territory of Ceuta in North Africa. Among the demonstrators were Núcleo Nacional activists who displayed Nazi salutes. They also chanted: "Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta will defend itself."
In addition, participants performed "Cara al Sol"—a 1935 song that became one of the symbols of the regime of former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, who ruled the country from 1939 to 1975.
A representative of Núcleo Nacional denied that activists used the Nazi salute. According to him, it was an"Iberian or Roman salute, which allegedly symbolizes ancestors.
Meanwhile, the gesture with an outstretched arm was popularized by the Italian fascist movement in the 1920s and was subsequently used by Nazis in Germany. Franco also introduced it in Spain in 1937, but after the defeat of the Axis powers in World War II, he ordered the abandonment of this gesture.
Movement linked to neo-Nazi groups
Núcleo Nacional was founded in 2024 and, according to the Global Network on Extremism and Technology, currently has about 2,000 members. The movement includes representatives of neo-Nazi and Francoist groups that had previously lost the ability to conduct large-scale actions. Since its founding, the organization has opened four regional branches.
The movement declares the protection of the white race, Christianity, the Spanish nation, and Europe from external and internal enemies, among whom it lists migrants, separatist movements, and multicultural globalism.
According to the Spanish organization Observatory of Antisemitism, leaders of the movement have also denied the Holocaust and spread claims about Israel’s alleged involvement in migration to Europe.
Protests ended in clashes
Mass demonstrations in Madrid were organized by the conservative People's Party and the ultra-right Vox party. According to government estimates, they gathered about 50,000 people.
The protests in Madrid ended in clashes between demonstrators and police. Four people were detained, and four police officers were injured. There were also recorded instances of protesters grabbing, pushing, and insulting journalists covering the event.
Context of the protests
In late July, thousands of migrants broke through to the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta from Moroccan territory. Within a few days, their number reached approximately 60,000.
Spain and Morocco have again strengthened border security due to new calls on social media for another breakthrough; barbed wire, water cannons, and patrol boats have been deployed on the Moroccan side.
Migrants staged a protest on the city beach in Ceuta, demanding asylum in Spain. Subsequently, almost all migrants were returned home. Spanish authorities are working with those who remain in the enclave.
