The president of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, welcomed the Kings at the City Hall headquarters after the crowds bathed in the street. A tremendous arrival like few others that reminds us that 19 years have passed since the last visit of a King. Vivas, who also received the father of Felipe VI, thanked him for his visit to the autonomous city, which he defined as “Spain on this other shore of the Strait of the sea that unites us.”
Vivas has highlighted the support of Felipe VI and Doña Letizia for the people of Ceuta after the massive entry last July and has assured that their presence comes at a particularly difficult time for the city. “Thank you very much for coming to sow trust where trust is needed most,” he stated.
During his speech, Vivas recalled the historical connection of Ceuta with Spain and the decision of its inhabitants to remain under the Spanish Crown in 1640: “Almost 400 years have passed, and the people of Ceuta, with the visit of Their Majesties, today have the opportunity to give a new testimony of loyalty.”
“National security crisis”
The president of Ceuta has denounced the consequences of the invasion, which he has described as “the greatest national security crisis of our democracy.” He has also warned of the deterioration of security, public services and the economy, as well as the risk to coexistence.
Vivas has vindicated the resistance of the people of Ceuta and the support received from the rest of Spain. “If Ceuta is shipwrecked, we will all do it,” he stated, before summarizing the message he wanted to convey to the Kings with a resounding declaration: “Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta defends itself, Ceuta is Spain.”
The president has expressly thanked the King for his concern about what happened and his “unmitigated” defense of the European character of the Spanish borders and the need to guarantee their security. Finally, he presented Felipe VI with the Key to the City on behalf of all the people of Ceuta, as a symbol of a city “loyal to the Crown” that professes “deep respect, affection and admiration for its Kings.”
Vivas gave the King the key to the city after the speech before going to the plenary hall. He has also given him a gift, an illuminated watercolor engraving of an architectural representation of the Ceuta town hall. It is signed by Belén Abad de los Santos, a Ceutí artist with a degree in Fine Arts.