Spanish PM Sanchez Criticizes King Felipe VI Over Migration Crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has publicly criticized King Felipe VI for his perceived absence from addressing the severe migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. In a rare move, Sanchez expressed disappointment that the King had not visited the city, contrasting it with his own repeated visits and his government's efforts to manage the situation.

Sanchez also made veiled accusations against Russia and Israel, suggesting their involvement in exacerbating the crisis. He stated that there were "reasons and motives" for the head of state to visit Ceuta and Melilla, noting that while he had visited Ceuta four times in his eight years as Prime Minister, the King, who has reigned since 2014, had not visited the city or Melilla even once. This statement, however, was factually inaccurate regarding the King's reign, referencing a visit by the previous King, Juan Carlos I, in 2007.

During the interview, Sanchez revealed that approximately 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, a figure significantly higher than previously stated by Spanish officials and the European Union, who had suggested most migrants had returned to Morocco. The Prime Minister acknowledged internal government disputes regarding intelligence warnings prior to the crisis, stating that while intelligence services noted an increase in illegal entries, the warnings did not predict the scale of the event.

Sanchez also addressed the possibility of early elections, suggesting that "change is always good" but warning against the rise of the far-right Vox party. He indicated his intention to complete his current term, which ends next year, but did not rule out calling an earlier election if his Socialist party chose him as their candidate. The Prime Minister also defended his brief vacation following the crisis, stating that politicians also have a right to rest.

In response to Sanchez's remarks, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi stated on X that "the continued dissemination of defamatory lies will not distract from Sanchez's shameful failure in managing his country's affairs." Sanchez, however, questioned Morocco's motives and stated that he lacked intelligence information casting doubt on Moroccan authorities, emphasizing the need for cooperation to resolve the crisis.