Political Tensions Rise Between Spain and Morocco
The Spanish People's Party (PP) has recently crossed a significant line that it had previously avoided. Following accusations against Pedro Sánchez for his role in the migration crisis at Ceuta, the party has now directly implicated Morocco. This dramatic shift highlights a crucial truth: despite the diplomatic smiles and promises of a "healthy and serene relationship," the trust between Madrid and the Moroccan government, known as the Makhzen, remains deeply fragile.
Alma Ezcurra, the PP's Deputy Secretary for Sectoral Coordination, did not mince words during her remarks in Ceuta. She asserted that Morocco is "responsible, by action or omission" for the massive influx of migrants into the occupied city on July 30 and in the days that followed. This statement carries significant political weight. Until now, the PP had primarily blamed Pedro Sánchez for the crisis, carefully avoiding direct criticism of Rabat. Even Alberto Núñez Feijóo had favored diplomatic terminology, speaking of "reciprocity," "transparency," and "good faith" in relations with Morocco.
This restraint has now shattered. Ezcurra's imagery is particularly damaging for Rabat: she claimed that 70,000 people crossed the border "at the sound of a whistle," only for 60,000 to return the next day "at the sound of another whistle." From this, she deduced that someone must have given the signal for such movements. While this assertion does not serve as concrete evidence of a coordinated operation by Moroccan authorities, the political damage is done: Morocco is no longer merely portrayed as a strategic partner for Madrid but as a potential player capable of using migration flows as leverage.
Implications for Spanish-Moroccan Relations
This situation is precisely what the Makhzen has sought to avoid for years. Morocco has built much of its influence on an effective lever: controlling borders, managing migration, and ensuring security cooperation. Rabat understands that, in dealings with Madrid and several European capitals, migration issues can serve as a considerable pressure point. However, when this leverage begins to directly concern the Spanish political class, it risks turning against its user.
What is particularly noteworthy is that the PP’s stance brings it dangerously close to Vox, even as Feijóo aimed to maintain a privileged relationship with Rabat. By denouncing Morocco, the Spanish conservatives gain a dual advantage: they can attack Sánchez’s foreign and migration policies while also claiming the nationalist ground long exploited by Vox. Consequently, the Makhzen finds itself caught between two fires.
On one side, it has enjoyed a remarkable rapprochement with the Socialist government in Spain over several years, particularly concerning the Western Sahara issue. On the other, the conservative opposition is beginning to challenge the very foundations of this closeness, portraying Rabat as a partner that does not always play fair. The paradox is particularly harsh for Pedro Sánchez: the more Madrid relies on Morocco for migration and security issues, the more politically explosive any border incident becomes.
Ceuta may only be the beginning. This situation arises amidst an already toxic atmosphere of tensions surrounding Ceuta and Melilla, accusations of interference, the issue of unaccompanied minors, and the proliferation of controversies regarding the border. The Makhzen believed it could transform its closeness with Madrid into a lasting political guarantee. However, it may be discovering that alliances based on conjunctural interests become exceedingly fragile when public opinion and opposition parties begin to take hold of the narrative.
Ultimately, what is most revealing is not just that the PP is blaming Rabat; it is that it is now doing so publicly. When a party aspiring to govern Spain starts to portray Morocco as a potential actor responsible for inciting a migration crisis at its border, the idyllic narrative of a "healthy and serene" relationship between Madrid and Rabat takes a significant hit.
As reported by lapatrienews.dz.
