Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Albares has stated that King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia do not require authorization to visit Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in Morocco. Albares made these remarks on Cadena SER, amid pressure from far-right politicians and others who have used the Ceuta crisis to level accusations against Rabat. The Spanish government has been denying allegations of a hybrid war or blackmail by Morocco.
A royal visit to Ceuta is expected to take place relatively soon, according to Albares. This visit was initially announced after King Felipe conveyed his support for the people of Ceuta on September 2, following a mass migration episode in July. The monarch reiterated his commitment to visiting the city, emphasizing the importance of staying united. The visit is seen as a show of support for the enclave, which has been a point of contention between Spain and Morocco.
Moroccan author and political analyst Samir Bennis has warned that a royal visit to Ceuta and Melilla would be a serious error and an act of imprudence. Bennis argued that the symbolic weight of a visit by Spain’s head of state is fundamentally different from one by the prime minister. He recalled that a 2007 visit by the Spanish monarchs triggered a major diplomatic crisis and the temporary recall of Morocco’s ambassador.
The Spanish government has been at odds with Morocco over Ceuta and Melilla, with Moroccan officials asserting that the enclaves belong to Morocco. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has appeared to bow to pressure from far-right politicians, alleging that Morocco’s border control failed during the July migration episode. Sanchez’s comments mark a shift from the Spanish government’s previous stance, which emphasized Morocco’s cooperation.
There is growing sentiment among European figures that Ceuta and Melilla are remnants of European colonialism. Exiled Catalan politician Carles Puigdemont has challenged Spain’s claims on the enclaves, stating that they are two cities within Morocco. Puigdemont’s comments echo those of EU Parliament member Ilaria Salis, who questioned whether Ceuta is Spanish or European.
The debate over Ceuta and Melilla has highlighted the complex history and geography of the enclaves. Ceuta and Melilla are located in Africa, but have historical links to Spain. The enclaves have been a point of contention between Spain and Morocco for decades, with Morocco asserting its sovereignty over the territories.
The Spanish government’s stance on Ceuta and Melilla is likely to continue to be a source of tension with Morocco. Albares’ comments on the royal visit are seen as a defiant move, amid growing pressure from far-right politicians and others who are pushing for a stronger stance on the enclaves. The situation is likely to continue to be closely watched by European and international observers.
Key points
- Spanish FM Jose Manuel Albares says King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia do not need permission to visit Ceuta.
- A royal visit to Ceuta is expected to take place relatively soon, amid tensions with Morocco over the enclave.
- There is growing sentiment among European figures that Ceuta and Melilla are remnants of European colonialism.
