The recent election in Spain has raised the possibility of a major change in the country’s relations with Morocco.
The Popular Party (PP) won the most seats, but failed to secure a majority. This has raised the possibility of a coalition government with the far-right Vox party. If this happens, it could have significant implications for Morocco, as the PP has been critical of the current government’s stance on issues such as the Sahara and migration.
“If the PP wins the upcoming government is expected to change and fold all of the previous Sánchez Pérez governmental decisions,” said Driss El Ganbouri, a specialist in Spanish-Moroccan relations in an interview with Hespress EN.
The PP has long been a vocal critic of Morocco’s claim to the Sahara. The party has called for a referendum on the territory’s future, and it has also supported the Polisario Front, . If the PP forms a government with Vox, it is likely to take a more hawkish stance on the Sahara, which could lead to increased tensions between Morocco and Spain.
“The first thing I want to tell Akhannouch is that we are going to adopt a reliable foreign policy with Morocco, we are not going to deceive you,” PP party leader Alberto Feijóo previously said, but emphasized that this would be under the framework of “balanced relations” with Algeria, the “Saharawi people” and the UN.
” Just as all previous Spanish presidents had done until the current failure of the President of the Government when, in March 2022, he described the Moroccan autonomy proposal for the Sahara as the most serious, credible and realistic.”
The PP has also been critical of the current government’s handling of the issue of irregular migration. The party has accused the government of being too lenient with migrants, and it has called for a more restrictive approach. If the PP forms a government, it is likely to take a tougher stance on migration, which could put further strain on relations with Morocco.
Based on the views that the populist party is anticipated to take on issues that involve Morocco, the specialist in international relations highlighted that the triumph of the right wing party may result in a foreign relations crisis between Spain and Morocco.
“In case of a future right-wing Spanish government, there could be a withdrawal from Spain’s current position regarding Morocco’s Autonomy Plan,” according to El Ganbouri,.
On the other hand, if the Socialist Party (PSOE) is able to form a government, it is likely to maintain the current good relations between Morocco and Spain. The PSOE has been supportive of Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Western Sahara, and it has also worked closely with Morocco to address the issue of irregular migration.
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