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Economy

Ceuta's Financial Crisis Deepens as Migrant Youth Care Strains Budget

Wednesday 23 October 2024 - 11:50 Journalists: Dakir Madiha

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The autonomous city of Ceuta faces severe financial instability due to mounting costs associated with caring for unaccompanied migrant minors, according to government spokesperson Alejandro Ramírez. The Mediterranean enclave's administration describes its current financial situation as "practically unsustainable."

The city's child care facilities, designed to accommodate 132 minors, are now supporting nearly 500 children, creating unprecedented strain on local resources. Monthly expenses have reached approximately 1.2 million euros, with officials projecting a need for 10 million euros to address what they term a "critical situation."

"Without intervention from the central government, developing a balanced budget will be extremely challenging," Ramírez stated during a press conference following the Government Council meeting. The city has submitted an updated financial report to Madrid, urgently requesting assistance to prevent further deterioration of their fiscal position.

The administration may need to implement credit modifications, redirecting funds from other budget items to maintain essential childcare services. Ramírez emphasized that the crisis extends beyond childcare, potentially affecting the city's ability to provide basic services to its residents.

Drawing parallels to the May 2021 crisis, when over 10,000 people entered irregularly from Morocco within two days, Ramírez noted that both state and European Union funds were provided then. However, similar support has not materialized for the current situation.

The spokesperson highlighted that current numbers far exceed initial projections for 2024. While the central government provides funding for approximately 100 minors, Ceuta must now care for nearly five times that number, creating an unsustainable financial burden for the autonomous city.