Election Outcomes Spark Interest in Moroccan Relations
The recent regional elections across various communities in Spain have attracted significant attention from our southern neighbors. The electoral victory of the People's Party (PP) has been closely analyzed by Actu Maroc, highlighting concerns about a possible resurgence of the right-wing in the Spanish government. According to this publication, the return of the PP to power could potentially undermine the advancements made in recent years regarding relations between Rabat and Madrid.
Actu Maroc emphasizes the strong ties between the Alawite regime's authorities and the Socialist Party, which they regard as a "privileged partner" for Morocco. Their analysis suggests that Pedro Sánchez's government has facilitated a "historic rapprochement" with Rabat, leading Spain to become Morocco's primary trading partner. The relationship has significantly improved since the Socialist segment of the government decided to support Morocco's autonomy plan concerning Western Sahara, breaking decades of Spanish neutrality. However, this stance contradicts international law, which designates the Sahrawi territory as a non-autonomous area pending decolonization. This shift in attitude was perceived as a diplomatic victory in Morocco, with the Moroccan newspaper asserting that Spain is now "one of its most important allies" concerning the Western Sahara issue.
Concerns About Future Diplomatic Relations
The analysis from the Moroccan outlet concludes that Morocco has likely never maintained such a close relationship with Spain as it has under Socialist governments. Consequently, Moroccan analysts express caution regarding the potential electoral losses the PSOE may face in the upcoming general elections after recent setbacks in regional elections. The article notes Sánchez's declining popularity in polls, exacerbated by judicial issues increasingly surrounding the president's inner circle.
This situation generates anxiety in Morocco, where the PP is often viewed as less favorable to Moroccan interests due to its sometimes turbulent past, according to Actu Maroc. Additionally, Vox, a party recognized for its anti-immigration stance and whose influence is on the rise in regions with significant Moroccan populations, is also viewed unfavorably. The coalition between Alberto Núñez Feijóo's and Santiago Abascal's parties may feel compelled to question some agreements established during Sánchez's tenure, although the article does not specify any particular measures. In recent years, the PP has been highly critical of the Socialist Party's shift regarding Western Sahara.
Therefore, Actu Maroc cautions that the future of relations between Madrid and Rabat hinges on the upcoming general elections. It appears that Moroccan media is already preparing for a potential electoral advance in Spain, though, unlike many Spanish political parties, they do not seem particularly interested in such a development. Ultimately, the article concludes with an assessment of Sánchez's time in La Moncloa, stating, "Regardless of what happens, he will be remembered as someone who significantly contributed to elevating Moroccan-Spanish relations to a level rarely seen in the recent history of both countries."
As reported by elindependiente.com.
