Exiled Catalan politician Carles Puigdemont has stated that Ceuta and Melilla are two cities "within Morocco." In an interview with The Times, Puigdemont challenged Spain's claims on the two enclaves, saying they are "of course a wound" from Morocco's perspective. Puigdemont's remarks reflect growing sentiment among European figures who question Spain's sovereignty over the enclaves.
Puigdemont acknowledged that residents of Ceuta are "very Spanish" but suggested their position would be legitimized if they held a self-determination referendum. He drew parallels with Catalonia's own struggle for independence, saying Spain's reluctance to allow a referendum in Ceuta and Melilla mirrors its stance on Catalan self-determination. Puigdemont fled Spain to Belgium in 2017 to avoid charges of treason.
Puigdemont's comments have been echoed by EU Parliament member Ilaria Salis, who questioned whether Ceuta is Spanish or European. Salis noted the enclave's geographical location in Africa, describing it as a "remnant of European colonialism." Her remarks reflect a growing trend among EU deputies to re-examine Spain's claims on Ceuta and Melilla.
Spain has expressed frustration with Moroccan officials' comments on Ceuta and Melilla, including remarks by Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi. Ouahbi emphasized Morocco's position that the enclaves remain a subject of dialogue between Rabat and Madrid, and demanded a definitive solution to the situation. Ouahbi also stated that the enclaves are on the table for discussion.
Tensions between Morocco and Spain over Ceuta and Melilla have been escalating since a mass migration incident on July 30-31. Tens of thousands of migrants entered Ceuta, prompting an emergency agreement between Morocco and Spain on the return of migrants. Spain has since commended Morocco's cooperation and denied claims of a "hybrid attack" targeting Rabat.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about the status of Ceuta and Melilla, with far-right politicians in Spain accusing Morocco of blackmail. However, Spain has emphasized that there is no evidence to support these claims, and has instead highlighted Morocco's cooperation in addressing the migration crisis.
Puigdemont's remarks have added fuel to the debate, with implications for Spain's territorial integrity and sovereignty claims. The issue remains a sensitive topic for both Morocco and Spain, with a definitive solution yet to be reached.
Key points
- Puigdemont describes Ceuta and Melilla as two colonies within Morocco.
- EU deputies question Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.
- Tensions between Morocco and Spain over Ceuta and Melilla continue to escalate.
