Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday again rejected claims that Morocco was behind the mass migration crisis in Ceuta, saying there was still no solid evidence linking Rabat to the influx of tens of thousands of migrants in late July.
Sanchez also dismissed allegations that Morocco was blackmailing him after allegedly obtaining sensitive information from one of his mobile phones, describing the claims as false and more suitable for a Netflix series than political debate.
“Relations between countries, particularly neighbouring countries, must be based on respect and facts, not on speculation or contempt,” Sanchez said during an interview with Spanish broadcaster La Sexta on Monday evening.
“These false reports circulating about the mobile phone or other matters may be suitable for a Netflix series, but reality must be based on facts and not false information,” he added.
The allegations have been promoted in particular by Spain’s opposition Popular Party and its leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who have questioned why Sanchez has repeatedly refused to directly blame Morocco for the migration crisis.
Sanchez said Spain would respond firmly if evidence eventually showed that Morocco was responsible for the events of July 30 and 31.
“I have never said that we would not respond firmly to Morocco if it is proven that Morocco … is behind what happened on July 30 and 31,” he said.
“But as of today … there is no information that solidly establishes Morocco’s responsibility for the wave we faced on July 31,” Sanchez added.
More than 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta on July 30 and 31 in an unprecedented influx. Most returned to Morocco within hours, while several thousand remained in Ceuta.
The crisis has since created growing pressure on the Spanish government, with local protests and political disputes over the government's handling of the situation.
Sanchez said on Monday that Madrid expects to stabilize the situation in Ceuta by the end of the year. The government is currently working to identify those who remain in the city and determine who is entitled to international protection and who can be returned to Morocco.
Sanchez has also defended continued cooperation with Morocco, arguing that maintaining a positive relationship with Rabat is necessary to resolve the current crisis and prevent similar incidents in the future.
His latest comments come after Morocco itself rejected accusations of involvement in the July crossings, saying there was no concrete evidence linking Moroccan authorities to the mass influx.
