Spanish Congress Rejects Government’s Shift on Western Sahara Autonomy Plan

The change in position on the Sahara has led to an unprecedented political consensus in the lower house. All parliamentary groups without exception have condemned this "unilateral" decision of Pedro Sanchez, whose explanations seem to have convinced neither his partners nor the opposition. It is in this atmosphere of unanimous rejection that Minister José Manuel Albares will make his first official trip to Rabat. A trip aimed at "normalizing" relations between the two countries and preparing the visit of Pedro Sanchez scheduled for next May, recalls El Confidencial.

To read: Spanish Leaders to Visit Morocco Following Diplomatic Thaw over Western Sahara

Pedro Sanchez’s decision, which put an end to the crisis with Morocco, has opened another one with Algeria and shaken the cohesion within the governing coalition. For all the parliamentary groups, Albares is going to Rabat to reaffirm Sanchez’s "unilateral" position, but not "the position of the country," supports the PP. "When you go to Rabat, remember that you do not have the support of this Parliament," Aitor Esteban, the spokesman for the PNV, declared last week. A statement that reveals the disagreement between Parliament and Sanchez on the Sahara issue.

To read: Spain Shifts Stance on Western Sahara, Seeks Stronger Ties with Morocco

During his appearance in Congress on Wednesday, Sanchez boasted of good cooperation with Morocco, but was unable to reassure the parliamentarians who wanted to know the Moroccan counterpart of Spain’s decision to support the Sahara autonomy plan. Has he obtained guarantees concerning Ceuta and Melilla? Has King Mohammed VI already responded to the letter he addressed to him? All these questions remained unanswered. Sanchez, on the other hand, argued that he has shown "realpolitik" in making this decision, which aims to help end the conflict in the Sahara.

In Rabat this Friday, Albares will discuss two important issues with the Moroccan authorities: the reopening of the borders of Ceuta and Melilla and the migration issue. Spain wants a clear commitment from Morocco on these two essential issues, and the Spanish minister will work to conclude agreements with the Moroccan authorities, which will be signed during Sanchez’s next visit to Rabat.