Spanish Party Demands Ambassador Summons Over Morocco Dispute

Spain's conservative People's Party (PP) has called on the government of Pedro Sánchez to summon the Moroccan ambassador, Karima Benyaich, to Madrid. This demand stems from the recent migration crisis in Ceuta and controversial statements made by Morocco's Justice Minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi, regarding Ceuta and Melilla. The PP argues that the Spanish government has not responded with sufficient firmness to these events.

Jaime de los Santos, a leading PP figure and member of Congress, criticized the government for not summoning the Moroccan ambassador after the mass entry of migrants into Ceuta. He questioned the administration's differing approach to Morocco compared to its stance on border issues with Italy. De los Santos stressed that Ouahbi's remarks about the disputed territories warrant a stronger reaction from the Spanish government, asserting his party's commitment to the "Spanishness" of Ceuta and Melilla.

The PP has intensified its parliamentary pressure on the government, submitting a series of questions to the Minister of the Presidency, Félix Bolaños. They seek clarification on communications between Bolaños and his Moroccan counterpart, Ouahbi, concerning the management of the Ceuta migration crisis's repercussions. This escalation by the opposition party reflects a shift in its rhetoric towards Morocco since the mass border crossing incident in late July.

Initially, the PP focused on holding the Sánchez government responsible for managing the crisis. However, in recent days, its criticism has broadened to include Rabat, particularly following Ouahbi's statements and the controversy surrounding a bilateral agreement on the extradition of criminals. The party maintains that the government is not demonstrating adequate resolve in its interactions with Morocco, especially concerning territorial integrity and border security.