Spain’s Sanchez Faces Backlash Over Sahara Autonomy Plan Support

In a letter sent to Mohammed VI on March 14, President Sanchez expressed Spain’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara, considering it the "most serious, credible and realistic" solution to the conflict. The decision, announced by the Moroccan royal cabinet on March 18 and confirmed the same day by Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, was denounced by the parties that are members of the governing coalition and the opposition.

The PSOE itself has been forced to explain the reasons for the government’s change of position on the Sahara to its grassroots activists, especially the young people, who are very sensitive to the Sahrawi cause, according to La Razon. But this was not enough to reassure everyone.

To read: Spain’s Sanchez Defends Shift on Western Sahara to Ease Morocco Tensions

The Executive and the PSOE complain about the lack of communication on the subject and acknowledge that there have been "mistakes" and "contradictory messages", wondering whether the timing was right to make this decision, although it was imperative to end the crisis with Morocco that was becoming "unsustainable". It was a risk that had to be taken, the PSOE believes. For the government, Morocco is a "partner" and it was important to restore migration cooperation with the kingdom to guarantee Spain’s territorial integrity and above all preserve relations with the European Union.

Furthermore, the government maintains that Algeria will not break its gas contract with Spain, in reaction to the change in its position on the Sahara. President Pedro Sanchez will be in Congress on Wednesday to present the conclusions of the European Council and will have to face criticism from the opposition for this historic reversal of Spain’s position on the Sahara.