Rabat – Spain’s opposition Popular Party (PP) has joined far-right politicians, who accuse Rabat of responsibility for July 30 mass crossings to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
PP’s accusations came shortly after Morocco responded to criticism and anti-Morocco rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in tackling irregular migration.
PP Deputy Secretary Alma Ezcurra said Morocco is “responsible for what happened and what is happening right now in Ceuta.”
Initially, PP directed its criticism at Pedro Sanchez’s government, with the party’s Secretary General Miguel Tellado accusing the Spanish Prime Minister of being the “main person responsible” for the mass crossings.
Reports, however, emphasized how the party now shifted focus, especially after Morocco’s firm responses to campaigns targeting Rabat.
Spanish reports emphasized that Ezcurra pointed directly to Morocco, and took issue mainly with remarks made recently by Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi.
She claimed Ouahbi “once again casts doubt on the Spanish identity of Ceuta and Melilla.”
“Is this the loyal cooperation that the government has with the Kingdom of Morocco? Are we going to continue yielding to a country that does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta, the guarantee of the borders and the security of the borders of a Spanish city,” she said.
The claims come as Morocco responded firmly to criticism and anti-Morocco rhetoric, a situation that Spaniards found “unacceptable.”
The government has made it clear that Rabat should not be regarded as a security guard, police or gendarme for Europe.
Morocco’s Interior Ministry has reiterated Morocco’s unwavering position and first response, stating: “Combating irregular migration and human trafficking networks cannot rely on the efforts of one party alone. Rather, it requires all parties to assume their responsibilities and fulfill their commitments within the framework of shared responsibility.”
The spokesperson of the ministry called on the Spanish authorities to also assume their responsibilities and work to accelerate procedures for the return of unaccompanied minors in the enclave while safeguarding their interests.
Minister Ouahbi responded to “Spanish territorial integrity” claims made by Spanish politicians and officials, emphasizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the two enclaves.
He said the issue remains “on the table” but is pending for now.
He made his remarks in an interview with Asharq Bloomberg, where he also criticized Spain for urging Morocco to prevent irregular departures while also allowing irregular undocumented individuals to seek legal avenues.
The minister also urged Spain to assume responsibility and return the minors home.
