«Slaves of Morocco»: In Spain, tensions rise between the PSOE and the far right

The Galician Socialist Party (PSdeG) branch in Ferrol, Spain, has declared its intention to lodge a complaint on Tuesday following the discovery of racist graffiti on its headquarters. The defacing messages, reading «Traitors, slaves of Morocco», have been criticized by both the territorial federation and the Galician branch of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).

According to ABC, party organization secretary Lara Méndez blasted what she described as a «troubling political polarization» and the «normalization of confrontational rhetoric driven by the far right», which she claimed is legitimized by the Popular Party (PP)’s discourse.

Ángel Mato, the local PSdeG secretary, remarked that the far-right narrative «now permeating public debate» targets not only the PSOE but aims to «mask a xenophobic and racist ideology». He stated, «This is a direct assault on democratic coexistence. When hatred, insults, and demonization of differing opinions become routine, they create an environment ripe for intolerance and political violence».

In response, Ferrol en Común, a citizens’ movement and left-wing political coalition, denounced the graffiti as «uncivil» behavior and called for a «unanimous condemnation» from the municipal council.

This incident underscores the current strains in Spain’s political landscape, occurring in the wake of nearly 80,000 people reportedly crossing into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, based on data from Spanish authorities in the enclave.

The far-right Vox party has capitalized on the situation, going as far as to demand that the Supreme Court investigate Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez (PSOE) for alleged «treason» and «undermining state security».

During a visit to Ceuta, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares sought to quell tensions. On Tuesday, he notably applauded Morocco’s readiness to repatriate unaccompanied minors who had crossed the border.