The Popular Party (PP) has sharply criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for refusing to hold Morocco accountable in the ongoing Ceuta crisis, instead assigning responsibility to other international actors. At a press conference after the party's leadership meeting, PP spokesperson Borja Sémper accused Sánchez of deflecting blame onto Russia and Israel. He also cited what Sánchez called the “international far-right,” while ignoring Morocco’s involvement. Sémper said Sánchez “has blamed everyone except Franco,” expressing the party’s frustration with the government’s narrative.
PP leaders argue that Morocco could not have been unaware of the mass movement of people across its territory toward Ceuta. Sémper questioned whether 80,000 people could cross Morocco and enter Spain without Moroccan authorities knowing. He said the Spanish government’s reluctance to address Morocco’s role undermines public trust and leaves the real issues unresolved.
The PP is also increasing pressure on the government to arrange an immediate visit by the King to Ceuta. Sémper said that if Alberto Núñez Feijóo were prime minister, he would already be preparing to accompany the monarch to the city, stressing the importance of the King’s presence for Ceuta’s residents. The party rejects waiting until after Morocco’s legislative elections on September 23 and argues that political reasons should not delay the visit.
The PP also criticized Sánchez for what it describes as a “conspiratorial” approach, accusing him of focusing on alleged misinformation campaigns from Russia and Israel while also pointing to the far-right, instead of addressing the responsibilities of the Spanish and Moroccan governments. Sémper argued that the government’s investigation appears selective: Morocco’s role is excluded from scrutiny while other actors are blamed for fueling the crisis.
Sémper said the government’s “delicacy” with Morocco contrasts with its “harshness” toward Ceuta’s citizens. He dismissed the theory that a wave of disinformation orchestrated by foreign actors was the crisis’s basic driver and called for a more direct acknowledgment of Morocco’s involvement. The PP maintains that the King has every right to visit any part of Spain at any time, and that his presence in Ceuta would reassure local residents.
The political standoff comes as the government faces mounting criticism over its handling of the situation in Ceuta. The debate over responsibility and the timing of the royal visit has become a focal point in Spanish politics, with the PP seeking to present itself as a defender of national interests and transparency. Previous reports have also examined the political tensions and urgent measures the PP proposed in response to the Ceuta crisis; see the analysis here.
Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast, has long been a flashpoint for migration and diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco. The recent surge in arrivals has intensified scrutiny of border management and bilateral relations. The PP’s demands for a royal visit and a clearer stance on Morocco’s role reflect broader concerns about sovereignty and security, alongside the government’s crisis response.
