Spain's Popular Party blames Morocco for Ceuta crisis following Rabat criticism

Clash over responsibility for the Ceuta border crisis

Spain's main opposition force, the Popular Party (PP), issued a formal statement on Friday to counter diplomatic criticism from the Moroccan government regarding the border crisis in Ceuta. The response follows a communiqué published on Thursday by Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Nasser Bourita. In that document, Rabat dismissed any responsibility for the border entries, rejected serving as an electoral scapegoat in domestic Spanish disputes, and accused seasoned political parties of falling into populist rhetoric. The leadership around Alberto Núñez Feijóo answered that the defense of national borders and citizen security remains an absolute priority for the party.

Nothing is above the defense of Spain.

Classification of the July influx as a hybrid attack

The PP maintained its formal assessment of the border breach on 30 July 2026, when an influx of 80,000 migrants crossed into the North African autonomous city of Ceuta. In Friday's statement, the party defined the events as a severe violation of the territorial integrity of Spain and Europe, describing the influx as a hybrid attack executed through the instrumentalization of irregular migration. Citing official reports declassified by the Spanish government, the opposition asserted that Moroccan authorities are accountable for the breakdown either by active participation or deliberate neglect. The PP demanded a comprehensive review of shared border management, accompanied by transparent actions and verifiable guarantees from Rabat that such incidents will not repeat.

Defense of the judiciary and territorial sovereignty

The diplomatic rift developed alongside a criminal inquiry conducted by Judge María Tardón at Spain's National Court, as well as a parliamentary vote in the Congress of Deputies regarding Sahrawi nationality on Thursday. Moroccan officials had criticized Spanish judicial institutions and opposition rhetoric, accusing political figures of using the kingdom for internal political gain. In its reply, the PP warned that outside commentary must not undermine or condition ongoing judicial proceedings in Spain. The party also reaffirmed that Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish territories, stressing that stable bilateral relations with Morocco require mutual respect, institutional loyalty, reciprocity, and strict adherence to state sovereignty.

It corresponds exclusively to Spanish Justice, in the exercise of its independence and our national sovereignty, to determine the facts, evaluate the evidence and, where appropriate, establish the appropriate responsibilities.

Questions directed at the Sánchez administration

Beyond its criticisms of Rabat, the PP directed scrutiny toward Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his administration. The opposition echoed several questions raised in the Moroccan foreign ministry's dispatch, demanding to know why the central government has failed to execute repatriation procedures for those who entered Ceuta irregularly. The PP noted Morocco's official commitment to admit the returnees, inquiring why unaccompanied minors remain separated from their families despite formal Moroccan requests for their immediate return. The party maintained that the Spanish government holds the legal tools to resolve the dispute and is obligated to explain its inaction.