Spain’s Economy Minister Says No Firm Evidence Links Morocco to Ceuta Crisis

Rabat – Spain’s First Deputy Prime Minister Carlos Cuerpo has urged caution when discussing Morocco’s possible role in the mass migration crisis in Ceuta, saying there is still no firm evidence linking the Moroccan government to the mass arrivals in late July.

Speaking Monday on Los Desayunos, a joint program by Spain’s RTVE and EFE, Cuerpo said Spain should show “enormous prudence” toward Morocco while investigations continue into the events of July 30 and 31.

“There is no conclusive evidence” that would establish the Moroccan government’s responsibility for the mass arrival of migrants, Cuerpo said. He added that this does not mean Spain should stop investigating what happened.

His comments come amid political pressure over the crisis, with opposition parties and some members of Spain’s governing coalition taking a more critical position on Morocco’s alleged role.

Nearly 80,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta during the crisis, creating severe pressure on the Spanish-occupied enclave and sparking protests over the government’s handling of the situation. Spanish authorities have since announced additional security and economic measures for Ceuta.

Cuerpo also pointed to the economic importance of Spain’s relationship with Morocco, arguing that the bilateral relationship should be protected while the investigation continues.

Spanish exports to Morocco exceeded €12 billion last year, he said, compared with more than €16 billion in exports to the United States. The figures indicate Morocco’s importance as a major market for Spanish companies.

The minister’s comments also come as Madrid seeks to ease tensions surrounding the crisis while maintaining cooperation with Rabat. Cuerpo has previously stressed the need for coordination between different parts of the Spanish government as authorities deal with the consequences of the July arrivals.

Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that King Felipe VI will visit Ceuta, although Cuerpo did not provide a date for the trip.

He described the king’s planned visit as a “guarantee” that Ceuta is becoming increasingly integrated into Spain and the European Union.

Cuerpo also said the Spanish government wants Ceuta to return to normal as soon as possible and has called for measures to address residents’ concerns over insecurity and uncertainty following the migration crisis.

Read also: A Visit by King Felipe VI to Ceuta and Melilla Would Be a Grave Misstep