Vox leader Santiago Abascal called for the immediate suspension of Spain’s bilateral Friendship Treaty with Morocco. Speaking outside the San Lorenzo de El Escorial monastery near Madrid, he accused Morocco of orchestrating a “hybrid war” against Spain, citing ongoing migration pressure in Ceuta as a direct threat to national sovereignty. Abascal argued that a country “which invades and claims part of our historic territory” cannot be considered a friend, and sharply criticized the Spanish government’s approach.
Abascal’s remarks followed a meeting of Vox’s national executive, where the party agreed to intensify its campaign for tougher border controls and suspension of the EU’s preferential agreement with Morocco. The party’s leadership cast the migration situation in Ceuta as part of a broader Moroccan strategy to undermine Spain’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, pointing specifically to Ceuta and Melilla.
The political confrontation escalated after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised cooperation with Morocco in an interview with Cadena SER. He attributed the recent surge of migrants in Ceuta to misinformation spread by Russia and Israel, as well as what he called the “international far right.” Abascal accused Sánchez of acting in Morocco’s interests and failing to criticize Rabat, while targeting Spain’s own head of state instead. He called on Congress to invoke Article 102 of the Constitution, which could allow Sánchez to be tried for alleged “treason.”
Vox also criticized Alberto Núñez Feijóo, urging the opposition leader to support suspending the treaty and break local agreements in Ceuta that, information from Abascal, involve cooperation with Islamists and socialists. The party outlined its preferred measures for Ceuta: mass deportations and repatriations, alongside a process of “remigration” for those living off Spanish resources. Abascal reiterated Vox’s proposal to build a physical wall in Ceuta, reinforced with barriers and naval support. He first presented the plan during a visit to the city at the height of the migration crisis.
The debate over Spain’s border policy and its relations with Morocco remains charged. Local protests in Ceuta have also called for expulsions and stricter government action, reflecting ongoing public concern over security and migration management.
Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s two autonomous cities on the North African coast, have long been focal points for migration and diplomatic tension with Morocco. Signed in 1991, the Friendship Treaty was intended to encourage cooperation, but recent events have strained bilateral trust. Opposition parties and segments of the public are putting mounting pressure on the Spanish government to reassess its approach as migration flows and geopolitical dynamics evolve. The political standoff could affect Spain’s border security and its relationship with Morocco, as well as the broader EU migration structure.
