PP's Stronger Stance Against Morocco
The Deputy Secretary of the People's Party (PP), Alma Ezcurra, has significantly intensified her rhetoric against Morocco, labeling the nation as the "culprit" behind the ongoing situation in Ceuta. Until now, the party led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo had predominantly directed its criticisms towards the government of Pedro Sánchez, steering clear of addressing Morocco's role in the crisis. This notable shift in tone coincides with the continuous praise that the Spanish government has been lavishing on Morocco, with the exception of Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who has taken a more cautious approach.
Ezcurra emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "When 70,000 people illegally and violently breach a border at the sound of a whistle, and the next day 50,000 return in the same manner, there is someone blowing the whistle." Her comments were a direct reference to Rabat, and she asserted that "everyone has realized what has transpired." She added, "This might be an unforced error," suggesting that the situation had escalated to a point that warranted serious consideration.
The euro-deputy further recalled that the Moroccan Justice Minister reiterated Morocco's aspirations regarding the sovereignty of Ceuta, questioning whether this was the kind of "loyal collaboration" the Sánchez government had in mind. With a hint of irony, she asked, "Are we going to open a diplomatic conflict with Morocco as well? Are we going to call them for consultations?" This comment alluded to the recent diplomatic spat with Italy over a related crisis.
Ezcurra firmly stated, "Spain cannot hand over the keys to its border to Rabat; this has to come to an end." Her remarks starkly contrast with previous statements made by PP leaders, who had opted for a more cautious stance, focusing their discourse on criticizing the government's lack of sufficient information, given the minimal communication between the executive and the opposition.
Praise for Morocco Amid Growing Criticism
Interestingly, these criticisms of Morocco emerged while the Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, avoided commenting on the Moroccan Justice Minister's claims, despite being pressed on the matter. Instead, he reiterated the importance of collaboration with Morocco during the immigration crisis, stating, "What I am clear about is the work, the loyalty we are demonstrating with Morocco to tackle illegal immigration." He characterized Morocco as an "absolutely reliable partner" in the fight against irregular immigration, organized crime, and terrorism, claiming that collaboration with their neighbors is both extraordinary and positive.
Grande-Marlaska's praises for Morocco echoed sentiments expressed the day before by Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, along with other executive members. However, the only exception to this narrative was Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who, while not explicitly naming Morocco, asserted that "Ceuta and Melilla are undeniably Spanish and should not be touched." She warned, "This cannot happen again," clearly alluding to Rabat and perhaps indirectly critiquing her colleagues, with whom she has had a strained relationship, particularly following disagreements regarding the role of Spain’s National Intelligence Center during the crisis.
Robles has also been the sole minister who, during her visit to Ceuta, engaged directly with the residents, facing a barrage of criticisms that nearly brought her to tears. In stark contrast, other government members maintained a significant distance, protected by a substantial security detail, avoiding direct interaction with the Spanish citizens in the region.
During her visit, Robles also refrained from confirming whether she would attend the Senate session scheduled for August 18, adding to the uncertainty surrounding any potential fallout from this decision with the government. The PP had announced an agreement with Robles to provide explanations on that day, but Moncloa left the matter hanging, as it could expose the other two members of her party.
As reported by libertaddigital.com.
