MADRID, August 10. /TASS/. Thousands of residents of the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta took part in a demonstration demanding that the authorities address the serious situation following a mass influx of migrants, EFE reported.

The rally was held in a city square on the evening of August 9 under the slogan, "Enough. Ceuta does not surrender." Organizers estimated the turnout at about 10,000 people, while police put the figure at around 5,000. Ceuta Mayor-President Juan Jesus Vivas also took part in the demonstration.

Participants chanted slogans demanding Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez step down. A statement read out at the rally said that "Ceuta cannot cope alone with a situation that far exceeds its capabilities and affects all of Spain and Europe."

In late July, tens of thousands of irregular migrants reached the autonomous Spanish city by swimming and on foot, circumventing the breakwater that separates it from Morocco. Madrid deployed military personnel to help maintain security in Ceuta amid the crisis. According to the Spanish government, about 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, of whom around 70,000 have already returned to Morocco.