The Moroccan National Union of Maritime Fishing, affiliated with the Moroccan Trade Union, is set to organize a protest in front of the Spanish Consulate in Agadir on October 13, 2026, at 10:30 am. The demonstration is in response to the upcoming visit of Spanish King Felipe VI to the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The union's move comes after the Spanish Royal Palace announced the king's visit to the two cities on October 13 and 14.
This visit marks King Felipe VI's first trip to Ceuta and Melilla since his accession to the throne in 2014. The last time a Spanish monarch visited the cities was in November 2007, when King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia visited, leading to diplomatic tensions between Rabat and Madrid. The Moroccan union's protest is aimed at expressing its rejection of the visit, citing the need to defend the country's territorial integrity.
According to Abdelhalim Seddiki, General Secretary of the Moroccan National Union of Maritime Fishing, the protest is part of the union's stance on defending Morocco's unity and territorial integrity. The union plans to deliver a formal protest letter to the Spanish Consul in Agadir and another letter to the European Union's representative in Rabat, explaining its position on the visit and its implications.
The visit by King Felipe VI has brought the issue of Ceuta and Melilla back to the forefront of political and media discussions. Morocco claims sovereignty over the two cities, which are currently under Spanish control. The Spanish government describes Ceuta and Melilla as autonomous cities, while Morocco sees them as part of its historical and territorial claims.
The protest in Agadir is expected to be one of several reactions in Morocco to the king's visit. So far, there has been no official statement from the Moroccan government regarding the visit. The Moroccan National Union of Maritime Fishing emphasizes that its protest is not only a rejection of the visit but also an attempt to convey a political and union message to Madrid and European institutions.
The union's actions highlight the ongoing tensions between Morocco and Spain over the status of Ceuta and Melilla. The two countries have had a complex relationship regarding the cities, with Morocco periodically renewing its claims of sovereignty. The visit by King Felipe VI is seen as a sensitive issue in Morocco, with various groups and individuals expressing their opposition.
The protest in Agadir is set to take place at a critical time, as Morocco and Spain navigate their diplomatic relations. The outcome of the visit and the union's protest remain to be seen, but it is clear that the issue of Ceuta and Melilla continues to be a contentious and emotive topic in Morocco.
Key points
- The Moroccan National Union of Maritime Fishing plans to protest in front of the Spanish Consulate in Agadir against Spanish King Felipe VI's visit to Ceuta and Melilla.
- The visit marks King Felipe VI's first trip to Ceuta and Melilla since his accession to the throne in 2014.
- Morocco claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, which are currently under Spanish control.
