Political Controversy Surrounding Ceuta and Melilla
The recent surge in migration towards Ceuta during the night of July 30-31, 2026, has ignited an ongoing political debate in Madrid, particularly following statements made by Morocco's Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi. His remarks regarding the status of the two Spanish enclaves have intensified discussions within Spanish political circles, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue he has chosen to address.
In an interview with Asharq Bloomberg, Ouahbi asserted that Rabat is keen to engage in negotiations with Madrid concerning the status of Ceuta and Melilla, which he regards as Moroccan territory. He emphasized that this topic remains "on the table" and is approached with a spirit of dialogue and patience. Moreover, he directed attention to Spain's responsibilities in managing the recent migration crisis and the return of unaccompanied Moroccan minors, while underscoring that Morocco cannot serve as Europe’s migratory police.
Demands from the Popular Party
In light of these developments, the Popular Party (PP) has taken a firm stance, demanding that the government of Pedro Sánchez convene the Moroccan ambassador for urgent consultations. This demand is not only a response to Rabat's reaffirmed position regarding Ceuta and Melilla but also pertains to the management of the recent influx of migrants that has significantly impacted the border at Ceuta. During a visit to Barcelona, PP deputy Jaime de los Santos criticized the government for not taking comparable measures to those previously enacted when Spain had summoned the Italian ambassador following Italy’s suspension of the Schengen agreement. This inconsistency raises questions, according to de los Santos, especially given the recent mass migration to Ceuta and Ouahbi's comments on Spain's sovereignty over the two cities.
Furthermore, the PP has submitted a series of written inquiries to the Congress of Deputies, demanding that Félix Bolaños, Minister of the Presidency and Justice, provide detailed explanations regarding his communications with his Moroccan counterpart since the migration crisis began two weeks ago. They are particularly interested in the implications of Ouahbi's comments concerning the status of Ceuta and Melilla. The PP has also expressed concern over a perceived threat from the Moroccan minister regarding the potential suspension of the extradition agreement between Morocco and Spain, a tool that the PP considers crucial for managing the return of individuals who have crossed the border.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is apparent that the diplomatic tensions surrounding Ceuta and Melilla are far from resolved. The Spanish opposition seeks to leverage this diplomatic saga as a political weapon against the Sánchez administration, which has, thus far, refrained from heeding the right-wing calls for a tougher stance on Morocco.
As reported by maroc-hebdo.com.
