Spanish media outlet El Independiente slammed “Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares’ arbitrary handling of ambassadorial appointments,” stating that his disregard for expert input is taking a toll on Spain’s Foreign Ministry, particularly on sensitive issues such as ties with Morocco and negotiations over Gibraltar.
Quoting a diplomat from the Foreign Ministry regarding Albares’ policy, the Spanish media reported that he “doesn’t know how to manage such a vast ministry with so many embassies and international offices. His problem is that he can’t delegate—he wants to control everything. And that’s never been how the ministry operates.”
El Independiente added that “while Albares claims that relations with Morocco are at their best, significant delays persist in reopening customs offices in Ceuta and Melilla, originally promised after their closure in 2018.”
It also highlighted that “early trade expeditions this year have faltered, with complaints about the customs offices not operating normally.”
In mid-January, Albares attributed the failures to technical issues, prompting criticism that he is being manipulated by Moroccan authorities. “The Moroccans are very skilled, and they’ve found the perfect prey in Albares,” a diplomat remarked.
The same source hinted that “Albares’ handling of both Gibraltar and Morocco negotiations follows a similar narrative, with promises of progress that ultimately lead to no results.
In September, “he claimed negotiations with the UK over Gibraltar were advancing, though he admitted more technical work was needed.”
It added that “a month later, he urged London to accept Spain and the EU’s balanced and generous proposal ahead of new Schengen border controls set for November 10. That deadline passed without an agreement.”
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