Spanish parties slam Sánchez for clearing Morocco in Ceuta migrant crisis

Spanish political parties swiftly criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez‘s recent statements dismissing Moroccan involvement in the Ceuta migration crisis. Sánchez asserted that security and intelligence services had no evidence implicating Moroccan authorities in the surge of crossings witnessed in late July.

The spokesperson for the People’s Party, Borja Sémper, rebuked Sánchez for exonerating Morocco while shifting blame to Russia and Israel, claiming the prime minister continues to deflect responsibility.

Sémper questioned the plausibility of tens of thousands moving through Morocco undetected by its authorities or intelligence services.

Verónica Martínez Barbero of Sumar, a coalition partner, criticized the lack of reproach for Morocco in Sánchez’s statements, highlighting a deficiency in empathy for Ceuta’s residents and migrants, without offering solutions to the crisis.

Alberto Ibáñez from Compromís deemed the dismissal of Morocco’s involvement as unconvincing, while United Left’s Antonio Maíllo rejected Sánchez’s stance.

Oriol Junqueras of the Republican Left of Catalonia also doubted Moroccan authorities’ ignorance of the mass crossings. Podemos’ secretary Pablo Fernández accused the government of acquiescing to Morocco, suggesting a temporary severance of ties with Rabat.

Sánchez did commend Morocco for their prompt cooperation post-crossings, emphasizing that ongoing coordination with Rabat would facilitate addressing the crisis and repatriating migrants following legal procedures.