The Spanish Senate approved on Tuesday the formation of a special commission to scrutinize Morocco’s policies regarding Ceuta and Melilla.
This decision was made amidst ongoing concerns over the impact of Morocco’s policies on the two autonomous cities.
The initiative for this commission was put forward by Spain’s main opposition party, the People’s Party (PP).
The PP has expressed ongoing concerns about Morocco’s stance and actions towards Ceuta and Melilla, which include delays in opening customs offices.
The proposal gained backing from the far-left parties but faced opposition from the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE).
The PSOE said that such a commission might escalate diplomatic tensions with Morocco, suggesting instead that diplomacy should aim to bridge differences rather than widen them.
The PP has long been vocal about the issues facing Ceuta and Melilla. They said that the recent policies have adversely affected these cities. For instance, the customs office in Melilla, closed by Morocco five years ago, remains shut, and plans to open a similar office in Ceuta have yet to materialize.
PP leaders said that Morocco’s unilateral decisions directly affect the residents’ daily lives and the cities’ economic health.
The PP also pointed out that the Spanish government’s recent support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Moroccan Sahara was supposed to improve relations with Morocco and indirectly benefit Ceuta and Melilla.
This policy shift, however, has not resulted in the expected positive changes for these cities.
The established commission will be led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and involve several other ministries, including Finance, Interior, Education, Industry, and Health. The governments of Ceuta and Melilla would also participate.
This group aims to analyze the current situation and recommend measures to ensure the cities’ sustainability and well-being.
The PP called for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by Ceuta and Melilla, noting that solutions should not only consider the economic, social, and commercial aspects but also respect the historical and strategic importance of maintaining good relations with Morocco.
