Cancellation of Vacation Amidst Urgent National Crisis
Aziz Akhannouch, the Prime Minister of Morocco, has reportedly suspended his vacation in Mallorca and returned to his homeland on the orders of King Mohammed VI. This decision comes in light of the escalating migration crisis in Ceuta, as detailed by the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial. Akhannouch's departure occurred merely 48 hours after his arrival on the island, where he had been enjoying a brief respite with family and friends. The Prime Minister had traveled to Mallorca following official ceremonies for Morocco's Throne Day, but the swift developments regarding the migration situation and the backlash concerning his absence led to the premature conclusion of his trip.
Details from the report indicate that Akhannouch's private jet landed at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca on Sunday, following the King's directive for his return. The Monarch aimed to ensure that the head of the Moroccan government was present during what has become one of the most significant migration crises in recent years. The timing of Akhannouch's private getaway coincided with the arrival of tens of thousands of individuals to Ceuta from Moroccan territory, a situation that has sparked a political and diplomatic crisis between Spain and Morocco. El Confidencial suggested that the potential for images of the Prime Minister enjoying his vacation at a beach in Mallorca amidst the crisis may have been a contributing factor for the King's decision to bring him back.
Ongoing Migration Challenges in the Balearic Islands
The Moroccan Prime Minister's stay in Mallorca also coincides with a week marked by significant migration issues in the Balearic Islands. Just days ago, the regional government reported that the route from Algeria to the archipelago has solidified into a stable pathway for irregular migration, prompting requests for additional funding, information, and coordination from the central government to address the increasing influx of arrivals. According to data provided by the regional authorities, more than 11,000 individuals arrived on the Balearic shores via 606 small boats between January 2025 and the end of July 2026. This year alone has seen over 3,700 migrants, with the child protection network currently overseeing 880 unaccompanied foreign minors, the highest number recorded to date. The government asserts that the Balearic Islands have transitioned from confronting a sporadic phenomenon to managing structural migratory pressure.
Moreover, on the same Sunday that Akhannouch departed Mallorca, approximately 600 individuals gathered outside the General Consulate of Morocco to protest the Ceuta crisis. Demonstrators voiced their discontent against the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, and King Felipe VI, with participation from Vox leaders, including Deputy Jorge Campos. Meanwhile, King Felipe VI, who is currently on vacation at the Marivent Palace, expressed his "great concern and indignation" regarding the events in Ceuta, urging that all necessary measures be taken to prevent a recurrence of such a situation. The Royal House confirmed that Felipe VI has been in contact with Sánchez and the presidents of Ceuta and Melilla to monitor the crisis's developments.
The presence of Akhannouch in Mallorca came shortly after the Moroccan General Consulate celebrated the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's enthronement at San Carlos Castle, an event attended by representatives from the regional government, the Mallorca Council, and the Palma City Council.
As reported by diariodemallorca.es.
