Spanish Minister Affirms Ceuta and Melilla’s Status as Spanish Cities Amid Controversy

The Spanish Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has reaffirmed that Ceuta and Melilla "are cities as Spanish" as Bilbao, Madrid, Granada or any other city on the peninsula and the islands.
Fernando Grande-Marlaska made this statement in response to those of the former socialist minister, María Antonia Trujillo, for whom the Moroccan claim on Ceuta and Melilla "is fully justified". On the issue of freedom of expression being more guaranteed in Morocco than in Spain, according to Trujillo, the Interior Minister observes that the former minister has expressed herself freely and that "Spain is recognized as a fully democratic country".
During this press conference held jointly with his Portuguese counterpart, José Luis Carneiro, on a visit to the country, Grande-Marlaska addressed the current events related to the presence of some 5,000 migrants on Mount Gourougou, near Nador, who would be trying to enter Melilla. "We work day by day and permanently with the Moroccan authorities to prevent and fight against ’violent’ irregular immigration in Spain and dismantle the criminal organizations dedicated to human trafficking," he assured, hailing the good migration cooperation with Morocco.
Related Articles
-
Moroccan Migrant’s Journey: From Bus Stowaway to University Pioneer in Spain
18 August 2025
-
Spanish Truckers Clash with Moroccan Rivals: Safety and Competition Concerns Ignite Road Rage
17 August 2025
-
Moroccan-Made Dacia Dominates European Car Market, Reshaping Industry Trends
15 August 2025
-
Balearia’s Tarifa-Tanger Route Plagues Passengers: Smoke, Delays, and Contract Concerns Spark Outcry
15 August 2025
-
Moroccan Exodus: Spanish Beaches Lure Vacationers Fleeing Coastal Chaos at Home
13 August 2025