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Rabat – The Chega Party, the second-largest group in Portugal’s parliament, is urging the European country to join the US and France in recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
The right-wing populist party drafted a resolution urging the government to formally recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces. The resolution was discussed this week by the Portuguese Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs and Portuguese Communities.
In a statement put forward before the parliament committee on foreign affairs, the party cited contacts between Portugal’s government and the Polisario Front.
Although the Portuguese government supports Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, it simultaneously continues to support “Sahrawi self-determination,” a claim demanded by the Polisario Front, the party argued.
Describing the Portuguese position as “ambiguous,” Chega emphasized that Lisbon’s ties with the self-proclaimed Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) constitute an “unjustifiable obstacle to deepening” relations with Morocco.
Chega explained that Morocco has made its stance clear regarding Portugal’s position after it disregarded Portuguese support following the devastating earthquake that struck the Al Haouz region in September 2023.
“Rabat’s discontent with Lisbon’s position was evident when, in September 2023, Portuguese support for rescue and humanitarian operations following the devastating earthquake was set aside in favor of countries classified as ‘friends,’” the party said in its statement.
It also recalled Morocco’s previous stance vis-à-vis France prior to Paris’ newfound position, recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara in 2024.
“In response to that friction, France made the sensitive decision in August 2024 to accept Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and the autonomy plan proposed by Rabat as the only path to peace,” the party said.
The party concluded its statement by citing the growing support Morocco’s position has earned throughout the year. The momentum includes a list of countries that opened their consulates in southern Morocco to reflect their support as well as the US’ recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.
The statement also recalled Spain’s position in 2022, endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most serious and credible political solution to end the dispute.
Chega stated that Portugal’s current policy is “anachronistic and meaningless,” saying that refusing full recognition makes Portugal distance itself from a growing international consensus regarding Morocco’s sovereignty.
Chega parliamentary group urged an immediate recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara, as well as ceasing all forms of contact with the self-styled SADR.
Chega was founded in 2019 by Andre Ventura. In May of this year, it became the main opposition party.
Chega’s demands in favor of Morocco’s position came a few months after a joint declaration that emphasized Portugal’s support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative.
The declaration adopted in July by Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita and his Portuguese counterpart, said that the autonomy initiative is a serious, credible, and constructive basis for resolving the dispute.
The declaration also reaffirmed support for UN Security Council Resolutions, including Resolution 2756, which acknowledges the role and responsibility of the parties in seeking a “realistic, pragmatic, and sustainable political solution based on compromise.”
Chega’s statement aligns with Morocco’s political priorities, as Rabat has frequently stressed that the Sahara cause is the lens through which it evaluates its bilateral and international relations.
A full recognition of Morocco’s territorial integrity could further strengthen ties between the two countries. Rabat and Lisbon also currently benefit from growing trade relations.
The two countries are also hosting, along with Spain, the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
