On October 9, 2026, King Mohammed VI of Morocco addressed the parliament, emphasizing the nation's ongoing struggle against irregular migration and asserting that current collaborative efforts with Spain have reached their limits amid frequent crises. The king noted that Morocco had achieved "concrete results" in curbing irregular migration, yet the situation remains complex, particularly following a significant influx of at least 70,000 individuals crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July. While many have returned, a substantial number, including minors, continue to reside there.
During his address, King Mohammed VI criticized what he termed "obsolete" and "unrealistic" decisions made by Spanish courts that he believes obstruct effective cooperation on migration issues. He lamented that these judicial rulings are hindering the repatriation of minors and individuals falsely claiming asylum, simultaneously exacerbating the activities of criminal networks exploiting the situation. The king's remarks come amidst a backdrop of political tension, as opposition parties in Spain have accused the government led by Pedro Sanchez of mismanaging the migration crisis and have blamed Morocco for facilitating the crossings.
In response to these allegations, Morocco has firmly rejected any claims of wrongdoing, attributing the surge in crossings to the influence of social media and misinterpretations of a court ruling that seemingly opened a legal loophole for maritime arrivals. King Mohammed VI reaffirmed that Morocco's partnership with Spain is a "sovereign choice," asserting that it will remain impervious to any external pressures, threats, or acts of blackmail. He also expressed his intention to propose a new vision for cooperation that focuses on shared development, economic competitiveness, and regional stability.
Despite the challenges posed by the Ceuta migration crisis, relations between Morocco and Spain have seen improvement since Spain endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara in 2022. However, the recent migration issues have put bilateral ties to the test. In a significant political development, the king appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco's first female prime minister following her party's victory in the September 23 elections. He urged parliament members to prioritize the needs and aspirations of young people in public policy discussions.
As reported by idahostatesman.com.
