Spain's XIII High-Level Meeting with Morocco Criticized for Political Concessions and Opacity
Spain's high-level meeting with Morocco faces criticism for excluding dissenting ministers, lack of transparency, and reinforcing contentious policies on Western Sahara.
- • The exclusion of Sumar ministers signals political sidelining of opposition to Spain's policy on Western Sahara.
- • Sánchez and Moroccan Prime Minister avoided a press conference, emphasizing a strategy of diplomatic opacity.
- • Economic ties are strong, with €22.6 billion in trade and decreased irregular migration, but key issues like customs operations remain contested.
- • The meeting consolidates Spain's concessions to Morocco, legitimizing disputed control over Western Sahara and silencing debate.
Key details
The XIII High-Level Meeting between Spain and Morocco, held in December 2025, has drawn sharp criticism for its handling and political implications. The summit, led on the Spanish side by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, notably excluded all ministers from the Sumar party, a decision interpreted as silencing dissenting voices critical of Spain's recent policy shift favoring Morocco's position on Western Sahara. This move reflects a broader government strategy since 2022 of downplaying contentious issues by focusing on technical cooperation in areas such as education, agriculture, digital transition, and migration control rather than addressing the core Sahrawi self-determination conflict.
Sánchez and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Ajanuch chose not to hold a press conference, underscoring a deliberate strategy of opacity aimed at avoiding public scrutiny of controversial aspects of the bilateral relationship. Economic pillars were highlighted, including a record €22.6 billion of trade expected in 2024 and a 41.5% reduction in illegal migration flow from Morocco to Spain, showcasing Spain's growing dependence on Morocco for migration management. Despite this, unresolved challenges remain, particularly concerning the operation of customs in Ceuta and Melilla, where Morocco wields significant control, frustrating Spanish trade ambitions.
Critics contend that the meeting consolidates Spain's concessionary posture toward Rabat, effectively legitimizing Morocco's disputed control over Western Sahara despite international legal concerns. The absence of Sumar ministers, who contest Spain's alignment with Morocco, and the general lack of transparency are seen as part of a government effort to suppress debate and shield the relationship from internal dissent. This approach contrasts starkly with the legal and ethical demands of decolonization and respect for Sahrawi rights.
The summit's focus on signing agreements in non-political areas serves to obscure the unresolved and deeply political issue of Western Sahara's future, sidelining the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. As one critical analysis noted, behind the exchanged smiles and signed accords lies a harsh reality where Spain abandons its traditional neutrality and permits Morocco to consolidate its position without reciprocal guarantees, perpetuating an unjust status quo contrary to international norms.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
