MADRID, Spain – Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has exonerated Morocco from responsibility for the mass entry of 80,000 people into Ceuta, instead pointing to an “ultra-right international” involving Russian and Israeli networks that he claims spread disinformation on social media. In his first public remarks following more than a month of silence, Sánchez asserted during an interview with Cadena Ser that the National Intelligence Centre did not warn of the severity of the crisis, contradicting statements by Defence Minister Margarita Robles.
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The prime minister maintained that there is no intelligence, either from the CNI, Spanish security forces, or allied agencies, suggesting that Morocco encouraged the mass assault on July 30 and 31. He questioned what Morocco would gain from such tactics, emphasising his previous experience of “instant, immediate cooperation” with Moroccan authorities and insisting the crisis can only be resolved through cooperation and trust.
Sánchez also attributed the events to the distortion of a Supreme Court ruling on social media, exacerbated by criminal organisations and “ultra-right” networks, specifically citing Russian and Israeli sources, a claim that prompted an immediate response from Israel’s Foreign Minister, who accused Sánchez of making “shameless lies.”
Addressing the domestic situation, Sánchez acknowledged the frustration in Ceuta, stating he is aware of the residents’ mood and that all resources will be insufficient until normality is restored, though he expressed confidence the city will emerge stronger. He also criticised the Italian government’s decision to impose border controls on travellers from Spain, calling the situation “absurd” and lacking justification.
On the issue of a potential royal visit to the autonomous cities, Sánchez noted that King Felipe VI has not visited Ceuta or Melilla during his reign, adding that such a trip would occur “when conditions are right.” The prime minister also defended his decision to take summer holidays during the crisis, stating that politicians also have the right to rest while remaining on call.
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Regarding domestic politics, Sánchez confirmed that the political relationship with Junts is broken, though he regretted the situation and expressed a willingness to continue working on issues important to Catalonia. He also stated his intention to complete the current legislative term, while not ruling out a possible early election depending on the outcome of the upcoming budget debate. On the issue of corruption, Sánchez defended former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his own government’s integrity, reiterating that the PSOE has not been illegally funded.
