Spanish parties demand president to explain government shift on Western Sahara

Spanish left-wing and right-wing groups called President Pedro Sanchez to appear before Congress and clarify “non-consensual historical change in the State’s international policy,” in reference to the government’s recent shift on Western Sahara.

Political parties across the board are demanding Sanchez “to give explanations in the plenary session of the Congress of Deputies on the turn taken by the Executive in its position towards Western Sahara and its support to Morocco,” according to Spanish news outlet El Dia de Segovia.

Up to 13 parties have requested the appearance of Sánchez in Congress, with the exception of the left-wing party, Podemos.

The parties additionally unanimously agreed that the appearance of Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, scheduled for this Wednesday, is “not enough.”

The “surprising” announcement from Sanchez’s government has resulted in ample debates within the country’s institutions and media, as many hail the step, while others opposed its sudden nature.

The second vice-president of the Spanish Government, Yolanda Díaz, has accused the president of acting with “opacity” and “incoherence” through the change of the Spanish position.

Members of the parties constituting the government majority have said they feel “excluded” and “left out” from the decision-making process of the country’s foreign policy direction, while officials maintain that such matters are normally decided and studied within restricted circles, to avoid leaks.

Former president of the Spanish government, socialist José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, reaffirmed his support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco to resolve the dispute over Western Sahara, assuring that his country’s new position towards this issue is “politically intelligent.”

Much of the criticism on the Spanish change of policy is also significantly fueled by gas shortage threats due to Algeria’s disappointment in the Spanish endorsement of the Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara.

Considering the ongoing gas scarcity caused by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and after Algiers recalled its ambassador to Madrid for consultations, Spanish media, and political actors are awaiting the executive’s considerations, while the latter assures “gas supplies and relations with Algeria will remain unchanged.”