In a recent statement, Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, publicly defended Morocco, absolving it of any responsibility regarding the unprecedented influx of approximately 80,000 individuals into Ceuta at the end of July. He attributed the crisis to misinformation circulating on social media, which he claims has led to misunderstanding and panic. After a month of public silence, and amid mounting criticism from his own party regarding his response to the crisis, Sánchez articulated his views during an interview with _Cadena Ser_. He emphasized that the events of July 30 and 31 in the small Spanish enclave in North Africa remain unclear, stating, "We are still investigating" and adding that there is no substantial intelligence from Spanish security forces or other agencies that questions the involvement of Moroccan authorities in this matter.
Sánchez pointed to the official narrative supported by both Madrid and Rabat, which suggests that online misinformation related to a prior Supreme Court ruling in Spain contributed to the surge. This ruling had prohibited the immediate expulsion of migrants arriving by sea, a factor that, according to the Prime Minister, may have exacerbated the situation.
In contrast, numerous Spanish lawmakers across the political spectrum, alongside experts and former officials, have implicated Moroccan border forces, suggesting that they may have allowed, either actively or passively, the massive crossings through a border that is typically heavily militarized. Yet, the Socialist Party, which is currently in power under Sánchez’s leadership, has shown little inclination to engage in a public confrontation with Morocco.
Initially, Sánchez condemned the situation as a "violation of Spain's territorial integrity"; however, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has not yet summoned the Moroccan ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich, to address the issue. Furthermore, Spanish ministers have not responded to recent provocative comments from Moroccan officials who have renewed claims over Ceuta and Melilla. When asked about Morocco's annexation claims regarding these Spanish cities, Sánchez sidestepped the question, stating that cooperation with Morocco is not only "positive" but also "necessary." He noted that a lack of trust towards Morocco would only complicate an already challenging situation, labeling certain accusations as very serious, dangerous, and baseless.
During the 2021 migration crisis, where Morocco, in a fit of anger, relaxed border controls allowing about 10,000 migrants to flood into Ceuta, the previous foreign minister summoned the Moroccan ambassador to express the government's disapproval of the mass influx. This response was seen as retaliation for Spain's decision to permit Sahrawi leader Brahim Ghali to receive medical treatment in the country.
As reported by euractiv.com.
