Vox leader Santiago Abascal urges Spain to break its Friendship Treaty with Morocco. He accuses Morocco of orchestrating migration pressure in Ceuta. The party demands tougher border measures and political accountability.
Vox has intensified its stance on Spain’s relationship with Morocco, with party leader Santiago Abascal demanding the immediate suspension of the bilateral Friendship Treaty. Speaking outside the San Lorenzo de El Escorial monastery near Madrid, Abascal accused Morocco of orchestrating a “hybrid war” against Spain, citing ongoing migration pressure in Ceuta as a direct threat to national sovereignty. He argued that a country “which invades and claims part of our historic territory” cannot be considered a friend, sharply criticizing the Spanish government’s approach.
Abascal’s remarks followed a meeting of Vox’s national executive, where the party agreed to escalate its campaign for tougher border controls and the suspension of the EU’s preferential agreement with Morocco. The party’s leadership framed the migration situation in Ceuta as part of a broader strategy by Morocco to undermine Spain’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, specifically referencing the cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
The political confrontation escalated after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, in an interview with Cadena SER, praised cooperation with Morocco and attributed the recent surge of migrants in Ceuta to misinformation spread by Russia, Israel, and what he called the “international far right.” Abascal responded by accusing Sánchez of acting in Morocco’s interests and failing to criticize Rabat, while instead targeting Spain’s own head of state. He called on Congress to invoke Article 102 of the Constitution, which could allow Sánchez to be tried for alleged “treason.”
Vox also directed criticism at Alberto Núñez Feijóo, urging the opposition leader to support the suspension of the treaty and to break local agreements in Ceuta that, according to Abascal, involve cooperation with both Islamists and socialists. The party outlined its preferred measures for Ceuta, including mass deportations, repatriations, and 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, a plan he previously presented during a visit to the city at the height of the migration crisis.
The debate over Spain’s border policy and relations with Morocco remains highly charged. As reported in a related context, local protests in Ceuta have 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. The Friendship Treaty, signed in 1991, was intended to foster cooperation, but recent events have strained bilateral trust. The Spanish government faces mounting pressure from opposition parties and segments of the public to reassess its approach, especially as migration flows and geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve. The outcome of this political standoff could have significant implications for Spain’s border security, its relationship with Morocco, and the broader EU migration framework.
