Hermann Tertsch's Controversial Proposal for Spain-Morocco Relations
In a recent public statement, Hermann Tertsch, a Member of the European Parliament representing the VOX party, has ignited a significant debate regarding the future of Spain-Morocco relations. His proposition suggests that Spain should recognize Morocco's claims over Western Sahara in exchange for Morocco's acknowledgment of the Spanish sovereignty over the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Tertsch asserts that in light of recent events, Spain must condition its dealings with Morocco on an agreement whereby "for Spain's recognition of Western Sahara, Morocco must affirm the unquestionable Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla and declare its respect for Spain's territorial integrity." This proposal raises considerable concerns, as it transforms two critical territorial, historical, and legal issues into bargaining chips within a bilateral negotiation framework. Essentially, Tertsch's suggestion indicates that Spain should concede to one of Morocco's primary claims regarding Western Sahara while demanding that Morocco relinquish any challenges to Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.
Accompanying his proposal, Tertsch has launched a scathing critique of Spain's current policy towards Morocco, arguing that Morocco's strategy of "harassment and blackmail" has resulted in a series of ongoing concessions from Spain. He contends that if Morocco refuses to acknowledge Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, Spain should reconsider "its entire relationship" with Morocco, including aspects of trade and the passage of Moroccan vehicles and goods, as well as bilateral agreements.
Political Contradictions Within VOX
However, Tertsch's statements expose a political contradiction that VOX must address. The party, led by Santiago Abascal, has repeatedly insisted that Morocco must explicitly and unconditionally recognize Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla. In February 2024, the VOX Parliamentary Group registered an initiative demanding precisely that acknowledgment from Morocco, asserting that Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta, Melilla, and other territories in North Africa should form the basis of bilateral relations. Furthermore, VOX has consistently opposed Morocco's territorial claims, accusing it of pursuing policies aimed at incorporating Ceuta and Melilla into its territory and urging the Spanish government to take measures to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In 2025, VOX reiterated its stance in Congress, emphasizing the necessity of demanding that Morocco recognize the Spanish identity of Ceuta and Melilla, while denouncing the use of migratory pressure, hostile statements, and official Moroccan maps that include both cities as part of Morocco. Therefore, Tertsch's proposal is not a minor issue or merely a matter of nuance. If taken literally, it introduces a diplomatic and territorial exchange logic that warrants an explanation from VOX's leadership. The situation is further complicated by the absence of a public disavowal from VOX regarding Tertsch's statements. This silence is particularly noteworthy given Tertsch's prominent role as a VOX MEP and a trusted advisor to Abascal.
If VOX believes that Western Sahara should not be treated as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Morocco, it should clearly articulate this position. Conversely, if the party aligns with Tertsch's views, it must explain why it is departing from—or significantly altering—a stance that has long been presented as a defense of Spanish sovereignty and national interests. The contradiction is stark: while VOX has officially demanded that Morocco recognize Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla "without reservations," Tertsch is now advocating for a negotiation in which Spain acknowledges Morocco's position on Western Sahara in exchange for that recognition.
Moreover, the implications of Tertsch's proposal must be examined through the lens of Ceuta and Melilla. Morocco has historically made claims over these autonomous cities, even going so far as to deny the existence of a land border with Spain concerning Melilla in official documents. VOX has leveraged these Moroccan positions to argue for a more robust Spanish policy. Consequently, framing the recognition of Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla as a concession that Spain could obtain in exchange for accepting Moroccan claims over Western Sahara raises a fundamental political question: Is VOX suggesting that Spanish sovereignty over the autonomous cities should be subject to negotiation with Morocco?
Until now, VOX's official stance has been clear: demand that Morocco explicitly recognize Spanish sovereignty and make that demand a condition for mutual respect in bilateral relations. The political dilemma for VOX extends beyond Hermann Tertsch's statements; it lies in the lack of a public response that clarifies whether these remarks reflect a personal opinion or a position that the party leadership is prepared to endorse. If Tertsch's comments contradict VOX's official line, the party should unequivocally disavow them. If they do not contradict, the Spanish public deserves to know why a party that has made the defense of Spanish sovereignty one of its key political arguments is now considering a proposal tied to the occupied Western Sahara.
It is inconsistent to maintain two conflicting discourses: one institutional, where VOX demands that Morocco unconditionally recognize Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, and another where one of its MEPs suggests that such recognition could be obtained in exchange for Spain's acceptance of Moroccan claims over Western Sahara. Merely denouncing Morocco's blackmail is insufficient if one then accepts the logic of negotiating sovereignty issues as if they were interchangeable pieces. Furthermore, remaining silent in the face of comments that, due to their content and the position of the speaker, directly affect the political discourse of the party is untenable. The seriousness of this matter cannot be dismissed as a personal opinion of a single MEP; VOX must clarify whether it supports Hermann Tertsch's proposal or rejects it. Until such clarification is provided, the party's silence leaves an undeniable contradiction between VOX's official stance on Ceuta and Melilla and the proposal now put forth by one of its representatives in Brussels.
As reported by ecsaharaui.com.
