Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez Denies Being Blackmailed by Morocco Over Ceuta Migrant Crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has firmly denied allegations that he is under threat of blackmail by the Moroccan government concerning the migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, located in North Africa. Sanchez dismissed wild speculation regarding the hacking of his mobile phone, suggesting such narratives are more suited for a Netflix series than political reality.

The allegations surfaced after more than 70,000 migrants from Morocco breached the border into Ceuta in late July. The right-wing opposition, the Popular Party led by Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, accused Sanchez of being unwilling to take a firm stance against Morocco, alleging that Rabat is utilising data from hacked mobile phones to pressure the Prime Minister.

Responding to these claims, Sanchez asserted that international relations, particularly with neighbouring nations, must be founded on facts and mutual respect, rather than speculation or baseless accusations. “False reports circulating regarding mobile phones or other matters—well, perhaps they are good for a Netflix series, but reality must be built on the basis of facts and not fake news,” Sanchez stated on Monday night.

He further added that his government has no intention of softening its stance if Morocco’s involvement in the Ceuta incidents is legally proven. “I never said that we would not respond firmly to Morocco if it is proven that Morocco… was behind what happened on 30 and 31 July,” he said. “However, to this day… there is no information that strongly proves Morocco’s responsibility for the wave we faced on 31 July.”

While most migrants who crossed into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July returned to Morocco a few hours after arrival, thousands of others have chosen to remain in the territory. The presence of these thousands of migrants has worsened the situation in Ceuta, triggering near-daily demonstrations by local residents and the potential for violent incidents.

The Spanish government is currently undergoing a verification and identification process for the thousands of migrants remaining to determine their eligibility for asylum. The registration process is reportedly time-consuming, as unaccompanied minors cannot be summarily deported under existing regulatory procedures.