Former President of the Government of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont has described Ceuta and Melilla as “two colonies or cities within Morocco”, saying that from a Moroccan perspective, the two territories are “of course a wound”, according to a lengthy interview with the British newspaper The Times.
Speaking from his residence in Waterloo, Belgium, Puigdemont acknowledged that “the people (of Ceuta) are very Spanish”, but argued that their position would be legitimized if they held a referendum on self-determination.
Spain, he said, would not allow such a referendum because its authorities fear that Catalan separatists could also demand a vote on independence.
Puigdemont also said he does not regret any of the decisions he took during Catalonia’s unilateral independence referendum, even if this means spending “his whole life” outside Catalonia, according to EFE.
The remarks come against the backdrop of the longstanding dispute between Morocco and Spain over the status of Ceuta and Melilla, which are administered by Spain but claimed by Morocco.
Morocco has never recognized Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla. Rabat has historically regarded the two cities as Moroccan territories under Spanish control and has maintained that position since Morocco gained independence in 1956.
The Moroccan position has also been reiterated in recent years. In August 2026, Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi publicly reaffirmed Rabat’s sovereignty claims over the two cities, saying that Morocco has consistently raised the issue with Spain and seeks a long-term solution through dialogue.
Spain, meanwhile, considers Ceuta and Melilla integral parts of its territory and has rejected any discussion or negotiation over their sovereignty. Spanish officials have repeatedly maintained that the status of the two cities is not open to negotiation.
Despite the unresolved territorial dispute, Morocco and Spain have developed extensive cooperation in areas including migration, security, trade and economic relations. The sovereignty issue has nevertheless remained one of the main points of disagreement between the two countries.
