The main opposition party in Spain no longer hesitates to point to Morocco for its role, “by action or omission,” in the massive irregular entry that occurred in Ceuta on July 30. “It is responsible for what has happened and is happening right now in Ceuta,” said the popular deputy secretary Alma Ezcurra this Wednesday about the neighboring country, also stating that this is something “Spaniards, Europeans, and the whole world have realized.” “Spaniards are not a naive people,” the leader had said earlier after her visit to Ceuta: “We are very aware that when 70,000 people enter a border illegally and violently at the whistle’s call and the next day 60,000 return the way they came at the whistle’s call, someone is blowing the whistle.” “Maybe it is an unforced error,” she said afterward, although without stopping looking at Morocco.
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These words and the direct pointing to Rabat contrast with the discourse the PP had been maintaining until now. Just over a week ago, its secretary general, Miguel Tellado, accused the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, of being the “main responsible” for the surge in Ceuta, doing so while avoiding focusing on Morocco at all times, excusing himself by saying “the Government of Spain is responsible for Spain’s international relations.” Two days earlier, Alberto Núñez Feijóo had limited himself to demanding “reciprocity, transparency, and good faith” from Rabat in its relationship with Madrid.
This time, however, Ezcurra has deepened the questioning of Morocco, referring to the words of the Moroccan Minister of Justice who, according to her, “again doubts the Spanishness of Ceuta and Melilla.” Although the popular deputy secretary has maintained that “it is not [her] place to enter into debates or controversies” with the Moroccan minister – “among other reasons because there is no debate” – she did want to question the Government’s attitude towards Morocco during this crisis. And thus, in some way, also send a message to Rabat.
“Is this the loyal cooperation that the Government has with the Kingdom of Morocco?” Ezcurra asked, questioning whether Spain will open a “diplomatic conflict” with Rabat over those statements and delving further: “Are we going to continue yielding to a country that does not recognize the Spanish sovereignty of Ceuta, the guarantee of the borders and the security of the borders of a Spanish city?”
It is then when the leader has sent a message that could have great diplomatic relevance if, in the next general elections, Feijóo’s party comes to power: “Spain cannot hand over the key to its border to Rabat. This has to end and with a PP government I assure you that this will end.” Vox, with whom the popular party could come to La Moncloa hand in hand if the polls decide so, has also directly pointed these days to Morocco’s role in the Ceuta crisis.
What the main opposition party has maintained in the same tone is its criticism of the Spanish Government – according to Ezcurra, it can “understand” that from outside it is seen as “weak.” “Incompetence and cowardice have consequences,” the popular said, pointing out that when these “have to do with national security, national sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of the State, what happens is an invasion like the one currently in Ceuta.” And thus, the leader sent one more message: “If Pedro Sánchez does not want or cannot for unconfessable reasons solve this situation, he and his terrible Government must resign immediately.”
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