Spanish Intelligence Braces for Moroccan Reaction to Felipe VI’s Ceuta Visit
Three days before King Felipe VI’s visit to Ceuta, Spanish intelligence remains focused on the Morocco file. The CNI director regularly meets with the monarch to brief him on sensitive issues. Madrid is particularly concerned about Rabat’s reaction to the royal visit.
King Felipe VI is preparing to make a particularly delicate visit. On Tuesday, October 13, he will travel to Ceuta with Queen Letizia before heading to Melilla the following day. Behind the scenes, Spain’s National Intelligence Centre (CNI) is closely monitoring relations with Morocco, still marked by the mass crossings of migrants last July.
On Bladi.net : Spain’s CNI warned of Ceuta border crossing plan on July 29; 19 messages remain classified
According to intelligence specialist Fernando Rueda, who writes a column in The Objective this Saturday, CNI director Esperanza Casteleiro regularly visits the Zarzuela Palace to brief Felipe VI on sensitive matters. The practice dates back to the reign of Juan Carlos I, even though the intelligence services report directly to the government.
The content of these meetings remains confidential. Fernando Rueda nevertheless believes the monarch was briefed on intelligence reports about the events of July 30 and 31 in Ceuta. Documents declassified in September revealed, among other things, that the CNI had warned Moroccan officials as early as July 29 that mass crossings at the border were being prepared.
Madrid expects a reaction from Morocco
The Spanish journalist also says that Felipe VI personally pushed for the visit to be organized, after the government of Pedro Sánchez had long considered it too sensitive. The prime minister reportedly sought to avoid another crisis with Rabat before eventually approving the trip.
Fernando Rueda expects signs of displeasure from Morocco. He points to the precedent of November 2007, when Mohammed VI recalled the Moroccan ambassador to Madrid after Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía visited Ceuta and Melilla.
On Bladi.net : Felipe VI to Visit Ceuta and Melilla After Years of Spanish Government Concern Over Morocco’s Reaction
This time, the royal itinerary goes further. Felipe VI and Letizia will spend the night of October 13 in Ceuta, a first for a serving Spanish head of state in the democratic era. The following day, they will leave for Melilla.
The royal couple will attend a ceremony at the Sidi Embarek Muslim cemetery, paying tribute to those who died at sea during the events of July. According to the schedule released by the Spanish Royal Household, Felipe VI will also meet local officials and representatives of civil society. Pedro Sánchez will not accompany him.
