The leader of the Spanish People’s Party (PP) and opposition head, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, declared 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 party management committee meeting and delivered a political speech. He stated that he would address the “Melilla and Ceuta dossier” if he were to lead the Spanish government. This would include measures to enhance security and protect borders, alongside a plan to revitalize the local economy and transform the two cities into more prosperous and attractive areas.
According to reports from the Spanish press, the PP leader emphasized that upon assuming power, he would work to strengthen the presence of Spanish state institutions in Ceuta and Melilla. He also aims to secure special European support for them, similar to “outermost European regions” that receive priority in funding and development programs.
These remarks follow closely after Morocco achieved a diplomatic victory regarding the Sahara issue, with the UN Security Council endorsing the autonomy proposal as a solution to the conflict. Some analysts in Spain view 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 still generating significant debate within Spanish political circles.
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