Pedro Sanchez’s re-election, backing from the left-wing sends shockwaves to the separatists

Pedro Sanchez, the leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), secured on Thursday another term, receiving backing from the pro-Polisario Sumar Movement led by Yolanda Díaz. Their coalition government, which notably excluded the Polisario Front from the 48-page agreement, strengthened Sanchez’s position for reelection.

The omission of the Moroccan Sahara file from the discussions among the parties of the coalition government holds great significance, mirroring Sanchez’s new government vision towards Spanish-Moroccan relations.

The alliance with the Spanish political parties supporting the Separatist Polisario Front will not impact the Moroccan-Spanish ties or Spain’s stance on the Moroccaness of the Sahara, highlighted Lahcen Aqertit, an expert in International Relations.

“Sanchez will play a crucial role in convincing these parties that recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara is not only in Spain’s best interest but also strategically and economically important,” suggested the expert.

Aqertit underscored that “Sanchez recognizes the importance of Spain’s position in the regional and international geopolitical landscape. He understands the need for a robust strategic partnership with Morocco.”

“Building upon the foundations set by the Sanchez government, the new Spanish leadership seeks to further strengthen and deepen the achievements made during their tenure. They envision taking the Morocco-Spain relationship to new heights,” believes Aqertit.

With Sanchez at the helm of the new government, his leadership and commitment to resolving any remaining differences with Morocco are expected to positively impact on the Spanish-Moroccan relations, concluded the expert.

The Polisario Front and Algeria pinned their hopes on the victory of right-wing opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo who previously expressed his disapproval of Sanchez’s decision to officially support the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007.

The Separatists recently expressed their disappointment in the left-wing party for forming an alliance with the Socialist party to create a new Spanish government. The exclusion of the Moroccan Sahara issue from the agreement caught the Polisario off guard.

Spain’s reelected Prime Minister received 179 votes in favor and 171 against, with no abstentions. Sánchez was supported by the deputies of his Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, Sumar Movement, Catalan Republican Left, Together for Catalonia party, Bildu, Basque Nationalist Party, Galician Nationalist Bloc, and the Canarian Coalition.

At the helm of the Spanish government, Sanchez’s reelection has paved the way for the continuation of strong relations between Morocco and Spain.

These ties have been strengthening since Sanchez’s message to King Mohammed VI in March 2022, where he declared Spain’s support for the autonomy plan and Moroccan sovereignty over its Southern territories.