Pedro Sánchez’s admission that Morocco’s border controls failed during the mass crossing into Ceuta has drawn criticism from his own allies. For the first time, the Spanish prime minister said so publicly, but he made the admission in English during an interview with CNN in New York. The move has fueled criticism within his coalition and among parliamentary supporters.
Rather than rally behind him, Sánchez’s partners have questioned his remarks and the way he made them. Sumar, his basic coalition ally, called the move "strange" and noted that the prime minister spoke in English to an international audience from New York. Sumar sources said, "We understand he has new data that led him to a different conclusion than what he told Congress," but they remain unconvinced. They want to know why he changed his story and why he has not explained it. During the events of July 30 and 31 in Ceuta, the influx of migrants overwhelmed Spanish border services within hours, information from several independent reports.
Other parliamentary allies are more direct. Some say Sánchez’s reversal reflects political pressure, not new facts. "It was impossible to keep defending a narrative that made no sense to citizens or to any of his partners, let alone outside Spain," one source said. Frustration extends beyond coalition partners. Even inside the PSOE, there is open discomfort over how the government handled Ceuta and its earlier efforts to avoid blaming Morocco.
The split burst into the open when former Socialist parliamentary secretary Eduardo Madina told SER he could not understand any of the government’s decisions during the Ceuta crisis. Transport Minister Óscar Puente fired back on X, accusing Madina of "parading your resentment every morning." That deepened the rift. Ex-deputy Delia Blanco replied, "Today I am ashamed of @oscar_puente."
For many in the coalition, Sánchez’s admission came too late and did not go far enough. "Everyone understands the situation with Morocco is complicated, but what he said to CNN could have been said two months ago. Instead, he scolded those of us who pointed out there was at least an omission. He still has much to explain," said a source from one of the investiture groups.
In his earlier parliamentary address on September 3, Sánchez called on Moroccan authorities to explain their actions and make changes, while stressing that there was no firm evidence Morocco had deliberately orchestrated events. RTÉ and The Objective have highlighted this distinction, noting that Sánchez had long avoided directly blaming Rabat to prevent straining bilateral relations.
Despite the growing criticism, PSOE and government spokespeople say Sánchez has not changed his position. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told SER the prime minister said "exactly" what he had said in parliament. PSOE’s Patxi López claimed there was "no novelty." López also acknowledged, "If 70,000 or 80,000 people cross, something fails at the border," a point neither Sánchez nor his ministers had made before.
Even Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who sometimes distances herself from the official line, backed Sánchez after his CNN remarks. Still, she added, "Morocco will also have to assume responsibilities."
Sumar’s Alberto Ibáñez publicly demanded explanations. Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun called for talks with Morocco to demand answers. Podemos leader Ione Belarra said, "The international Pedro Sánchez is always a bit different from the Pedro Sánchez in Spain. I don’t know if he thinks we don’t see international media." ERC’s Gabriel Rufián went further, saying Sánchez was finally "telling the truth," though he used euphemisms. Rufián said Rabat had gone beyond failing and had "attacked."
The government’s handling of the Ceuta crisis has already exposed deep divisions, as reported earlier. This latest episode has intensified scrutiny of Sánchez’s leadership on the issue inside and outside his party.
The prime minister is struggling to balance international diplomacy with demands for accountability at home. By admitting Morocco’s failure abroad and in English, Sánchez has upset basic partners and left the basic questions unresolved. His allies want transparency and a clear plan, something the government has yet to deliver on the Ceuta crisis.
