Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of Spain’s People’s Party (PP) and head of the opposition, announced that the city of Melilla “is a Spanish city and will remain so. Its protection is not optional and is non-negotiable.”
This statement was made during Feijóo’s visit to the city, where he held a meeting of the party’s management committee and delivered a political speech. He emphasized that he would address what he termed the “Melilla and Ceuta file” if he were to take over the Spanish government. This would include measures to enhance security and protect the borders, along with a plan to revitalize the local economy, transforming the two cities into more prosperous and attractive spaces.
According to Spanish media reports, the party leader asserted that upon coming to power, he would work to bolster the presence of Spanish state institutions in Ceuta and Melilla. He also mentioned plans to secure special European support for them, akin to that given to “outermost regions” prioritized in funding and development programs.
These comments come just days after Morocco achieved a diplomatic victory concerning the Sahara issue, following the UN Security Council’s endorsement of the autonomy proposal as a solution to the conflict. Some analysts in Spain viewed this as a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries.
It is noteworthy that Spain’s official stance on the Sahara issue changed in 2022 when it announced support for the autonomy proposal, a decision that continues to generate significant debate within Spanish political circles.
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