Moroccan left coalition denounces Spanish king's visit to Ceuta and Melilla as provocative
A Moroccan left-wing alliance condemned King Felipe VI’s trip to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, calling the visit a provocation and a bid for illegitimate legitimacy.
The Alianza Izquierda, a coalition of the Federación Democrática Izquierda and the Partido Socialista Unificado, publicly denounced King Felipe VI’s visit to the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla. In its communiqué, the alliance labeled the trip a provocative act aimed at creating a false sense of legitimacy for Spain’s control over the two enclaves, which Morocco regards as occupied territory. The coalition reiterated its commitment to the struggle for one outlet and unification of all Moroccan lands, dismissing any external pressure or conspiracy.
It further asserted that any future cooperation between Morocco and the European Union, particularly Spain, must be predicated on respect for Moroccan sovereignty and the restoration of the occupied territories. The statement also referenced broader Moroccan aspirations to reclaim all parts of its national territory, citing the concept of a “Gran Marruecos.”
Why it matters
The condemnation highlights heightened Spain-Morocco tensions over disputed enclaves and could affect EU-Morocco relations.
How this story developed
- Aug 21 Spanish police detain five suspected migrant smugglers operating from Ceuta
- Sep 26 Thousands gathered in Madrid for a second “March for Dignity”, calling for snap elections and the expulsion of migrants who arrived in Ceuta.
- Sep 26 A second “March for Dignity” was held in Madrid, drawing tens of thousands of participants.
- Sep 27 Ceuta residents marched demanding stronger border controls and an end to sexual assaults.
- Sep 28 Frontex added that the western Mediterranean corridor recorded a 34% rise.
- Oct 1 etc
- Oct 7 King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will invite civil-society groups from Ceuta and Melilla to the traditional reception at the Royal Palace.
- Oct 12 Moroccan naval vessels entered Spanish territorial waters around Ceuta while large numbers of migrants crossed the land border, prompting a Spanish naval response.
- Oct 13 The royals have begun an overnight stay in Ceuta as part of their extended visit.
- Oct 13 Santa María was replaced by the frigate Navarra after a mechanical failure.
- Oct 13 Police and the army cleared the Guano informal migrant settlement in Ceuta’s northern bay days before the royal visit.
- Oct 14 The royal couple travelled from Ceuta to Melilla, where they were presented with the city’s golden key and toured a bilingual school with an autism classroom.
- Oct 15 Feijóo filed a popular accusation with the Audiencia Nacional over the Moroccan ships' entry.
- Oct 15 In his Melilla speech the king emphasized the city’s status as part of the EU’s external border.
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