The Paradox of the Popular Party and Its Stance on Morocco
The intricate paradox surrounding the Popular Party (PP) in relation to Morocco has recently come to light. In his role as an opposition leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo leverages the issue of Western Sahara to criticize Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. However, should he ascend to power, he will need to maintain a strategic relationship with Morocco that no Spanish government can afford to overlook. His recent statements exemplify this significant disparity, even before a potential transition to La Moncloa. In a recent interview with Okdiario, Feijóo asserted that his inaugural international trip as Prime Minister would be to Morocco, stating unequivocally, "Without a doubt, I believe the first trip must be to Morocco, and for my part, it would be to Morocco." This choice is far from trivial; it underscores his recognition that any government project in Spain must necessarily consider its relationship with Morocco, rather than focusing on major European capitals or Washington. He acknowledges that Rabat must be regarded as a "strategic partner" and that fostering a "smart and effective" relationship would be "extremely beneficial" for both nations.
Contradictions in Feijóo's Statements
However, this interview also reveals significant contradictions in Feijóo's rhetoric. While he describes the events in Ceuta as an "invasion," an "occupation," and a "violation of territorial integrity," he demands a "firm" response to Morocco while accusing Sánchez of acting more like a "vassal of Morocco than as the President of the Spanish government." Feijóo seeks to commence his potential presidency with a visit to Morocco, all the while launching criticisms that complicate this rapprochement. The contradictions in Feijóo's statements become evident within the same interview. Initially, he argues that if he were president, he would engage in a "very serious discussion with Morocco" to obtain explanations regarding how tens of thousands managed to reach the border and enter Ceuta. He contends that Morocco has not provided "the response that Spain deserves." Yet, as the interview progresses, his narrative shifts dramatically. "Honestly, I don’t think I need to ask Morocco for explanations," he admits, suggesting that it is the responsibility of Spanish intelligence to detect mobilization calls circulated on social media. He then acknowledges that Madrid should have contacted Rabat beforehand to prevent the situation from escalating.
This pivot in reasoning illustrates how Morocco is no longer the state to which Feijóo would demand explanations or issue firm responses, but rather a partner with whom the Spanish government should have cooperated to avert the crisis. This nuanced perspective contrasts sharply with the stark language of "invasion" or "occupation." Morocco has stated that it alerted Spain to the potential consequences of a Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the immediate deportation of individuals who swam to Ceuta or Melilla. Rabat argues that this decision weakened a crucial component of migration cooperation, creating an opening that migrant trafficking networks quickly exploited.
Coordination between the two nations continued throughout the crisis, with the vast majority of individuals who entered irregularly returning to Morocco. Meanwhile, the Moroccan judiciary initiated legal actions against dozens of individuals suspected of organizing crossings and inciting unrest at the border. Subsequent reports also indicate digital campaigns and decentralized networks operating from multiple countries. Feijóo, however, offers no evidence to support his claims, merely echoing suspicions prevalent in certain segments of Spanish public opinion, while recognizing that the primary failures stemmed from a lack of anticipation and coordination among Spanish authorities.
The PP leader emphasizes the need to base the bilateral relationship on reciprocity, insisting, "If 70,000 people leave Spain heading towards the Moroccan border, I will stop them," arguing that Rabat should have obstructed all crossings. This comparison reveals a peculiar understanding of cooperation. Spain expects Morocco to prevent the departure of thousands of individuals, dismantle trafficking networks, monitor extensive coastlines, and bear significant consequences stemming from Spanish judicial decisions. When the system functions, it is viewed as Morocco's obligation; when it falters or becomes overwhelmed, the incident is quickly interpreted as a deliberate action against Spain. Feijóo claims to desire a "fluid and respectful" relationship, yet his demands appear almost exclusively directed at Morocco, urging it to prevent departures and accept returns while barely acknowledging the Spanish responsibilities he ultimately admits exist.
Thus, his rhetoric oscillates between two barely reconcilable positions: that of a candidate needing to display toughness against Vox and that of a potential president who recognizes Spain's necessity for daily cooperation with Morocco across migration, security, anti-terrorism, commercial, and economic domains.
In conclusion, Feijóo's potential visit to Morocco is framed as an effort to rectify the perceived "contempt" exhibited by Sánchez, whose first international trip as Prime Minister was to France in 2018. However, the order of official visits alone cannot define foreign policy, nor does it automatically render a government more respectful towards Rabat. The relationship between Spain and Morocco hinges on far more sensitive issues: migration and anti-terrorism cooperation, trade exchanges, energy interconnections, the organization of World Cup 2030, and importantly, Spain's stance on the Moroccan Sahara. On this latter issue, Feijóo leaves the crucial question unanswered. He has yet to clarify whether he would maintain Spain's support for Morocco's autonomy initiative or seek to revert to the doctrine that prevailed before March 2022. The PP continues to rely on ambiguous formulations regarding international law and United Nations resolutions, while certain gestures have fostered profound mistrust in Morocco.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
