Government Controversy Over Western Sahara Mapping
The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has recently come under scrutiny for utilizing a map on the Casa 47 portal that represents Western Sahara as part of Morocco. This interactive map, which is integral to Casa 47—a public institution under the Ministry of Housing that facilitates affordable housing—has sparked significant controversy and prompted a demand for correction from the coalition partner, Sumar. They have insisted that Minister Isabel Rodríguez either withdraw or amend the map in question.
On Monday, Sánchez unveiled the Casa 47 Portal, which boasts a database of over 800 affordable housing units aimed at providing accessible living options through a platform reminiscent of established private real estate portals. The portal features an interactive map that allows users to explore available properties. However, despite its focus solely on Spanish housing, this map employs a global view that includes various countries around the world.
The map utilized by Casa 47 is sourced from OpenStreetMap, a platform that provides open data and allows free use as long as proper attribution is given. According to their website, the map data is compiled by a community dedicated to maintaining map information across numerous aspects such as roads, trails, cafes, train stations, and more globally. In Spain, OpenStreetMap claims to incorporate data from the National Geographic Institute of Spain (IGN) and the National Cartographic System (SCNE) under licenses permitting reuse.
Critically, the map depicts Western Sahara as annexed to Morocco rather than presenting it as a disputed territory, a representation that diverges from other web applications. This situation is particularly sensitive in light of recent events, including an influx of nearly 80,000 illegal immigrants attempting to enter Ceuta through the Moroccan border, with allegations of complicity from Moroccan police in this migration surge.
In light of the crisis that unfolded in 2021, when the Spanish government altered its long-standing position regarding Western Sahara, Sánchez acknowledged Morocco's autonomy plan for the region proposed in 2007 in a letter to King Mohammed VI. He emphasized the significance of the Western Sahara issue for Morocco and highlighted the serious and credible efforts made by the kingdom to find a solution within the framework of the United Nations.
Summar's Response and Calls for Accountability
Alberto Ibáñez, a deputy from the Compromís party, has called on Casa 47 to remove the map from the new website, arguing that it violates international law and undermines Spain's commitment to Western Sahara. He has reiterated the pledge to allocate 1% of the GDP for the new public housing park. In a formal inquiry submitted on the same day, Ibáñez pointed out that the new access portal for housing promotions (portal.casa47.es), initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, displays a map where the territory of Western Sahara is depicted as annexed to Morocco, thus being part of that state.
He emphasized that, according to various international resolutions and rulings from Spanish and European courts, this territory does not belong to Morocco. Rather, it remains pending the exercise of the right to self-determination to achieve full political autonomy, which Spain should guarantee. Ibáñez's inquiry also questioned whether the government plans to withdraw or amend the map featured on the Casa 47 portal.
As reported by okdiario.com.
