Critics accuse Sánchez of serving Morocco’s interests like a modern Manchurian candidate
The column argues that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has become a de facto agent for Morocco, likening his actions to a Manchurian candidate who advances foreign interests at Spain’s expense.
In this opinion piece, the writer portrays Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as a modern Manchurian candidate, suggesting his government acts in Morocco’s favor while compromising Spanish sovereignty. He cites Sánchez’s diplomatic overtures to King Mohamed VI, the handling of the Ceuta incident, and the replacement of foreign-policy officials as evidence of undue influence. The article also alleges that spyware such as Pegasus was used to coerce Sánchez, and that the “law of grandchildren” is a scheme to inflate the electoral roll rather than protect exiles.
Historical references to the 1962 film The Manchurian Candidate serve to frame the narrative of political brainwashing. The author warns that each crisis with Rabat may yield further Spanish concessions, bolstering Morocco’s position and feeding Sánchez’s electoral strategy.
Why it matters
It highlights concerns about foreign influence on Spain’s leadership and potential impacts on national sovereignty.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage centers on a Supreme Court judge’s secret dinner with PP figures and the resulting partisan dispute over election-process comments, while right-leaning coverage portrays Prime Minister Sánchez as a “modern Manchurian candidate” serving Morocco’s interests and compromising Spanish sovereignty.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage frames the story as a partisan controversy surrounding a judge’s hidden meeting with PP officials and his comments that cast doubt on Spain’s electoral credibility.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the story as an exposé of Sánchez allegedly acting as a Morocco-aligned “Manchurian candidate,” betraying Spanish sovereignty.
The left emphasises
- confidential dinner with about fifty conservative prosecutors and PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo
- judge expressed strong support for Feijóo and denounced one outlet government’s impact on institutions
- right-wing circles using his comments to question the credibility of Spain’s electoral procedures
The right emphasises
- Sánchez portrayed as a modern Manchurian candidate serving Morocco’s interests
- claims of undue influence through diplomatic overtures, the Ceuta incident, and replacement of foreign-policy officials
- allegations of spyware (Pegasus) coercion and a “law of grandchildren” scheme to inflate the electoral roll
How this story developed
- Sep 9 PSOE set to approve citizenship bill for Sahrawis amid concerns over Morocco
- Sep 10 The Supreme Court ordered a temporary halt to the electoral registration of foreign nationals who obtained Spanish citizenship under the Ministry of Justice's 'grandchildren' instruction, citing risks to election integrity.
- Sep 13 The court’s injunction now requires applicants to provide proof that their ancestors were exiles.
- Sep 13 The citizenship proposal cleared the Justice Committee and is now scheduled for a full congressional vote.
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