Ayuso calls Sánchez "irresponsible" and a "traitor": "He has allowed Spain to be invaded by terrorists"

The Spanish opposition party People's Party (PP) has publicly challenged the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) government to call an emergency meeting with the Moroccan ambassador over the ongoing migrant crisis in Ceuta, a border city in southern Spain. The challenge comes amid growing political tensions following a recent wave of illegal crossings into the territory, which has sparked accusations of governmental negligence and a lack of diplomatic engagement with Morocco. The PP’s demand follows criticism of the government’s handling of the situation, particularly regarding its failure to address concerns raised by Moroccan officials over the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla. The controversy began after Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi made public statements questioning Spain’s control over Ceuta and Melilla during a televised interview. In response, PP deputy Jaime de los Santos accused the government of failing to engage with Morocco’s foreign representatives, including the embassy in Madrid, despite the heightened security risks posed by the influx of migrants. De los Santos emphasized that the government should have summoned the Moroccan ambassador to discuss the implications of these remarks, especially given the potential impact on bilateral relations and the legal framework governing extradition between the two countries. De los Santos further criticized the government for its perceived passivity in addressing the issue, noting that while the Italian embassy was called upon during the suspension of the Schengen Agreement, no similar action had been taken with Morocco. He argued that this omission reflects a broader pattern of neglect toward Spain’s territorial integrity and national security. The PP leader also accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of prioritizing short-term political gains over the well-being of citizens, suggesting that the government’s inaction has left Spain vulnerable to external pressures and internal unrest. In parallel, regional leaders such as Madrid’s President Isabel Díaz Ayuso have intensified their criticism of the central government. During a speech at the award ceremony for firefighters in Madrid, Ayuso labeled Sánchez as “irresponsible” and “traitor,” accusing him of allowing Spain to be “invaded by terrorists.” She pointed to the country’s continued maintenance of the highest level of terrorism alert since 2015 as evidence of the government’s failure to protect national interests. Ayuso also condemned the lack of decisive action in Ceuta, arguing that the situation has worsened due to insufficient resources and poor governance. Ayuso extended her critique beyond the migrant crisis, drawing attention to other issues she claims are being ignored by the government. These include the rising costs of living, the economic burden of Catalonia’s independence-related debts, and the alleged misuse of public funds by senior officials. She questioned how many ministers live off the state and whether their personal expenses are properly accounted for. Her comments were directed both at the central government and at members of the PSOE leadership, whom she suggested could face legal consequences in the future. The PP has also taken steps to hold the government accountable by submitting a series of urgent questions to the Ministry of Presidency and Justice, specifically targeting Minister Feliu Bolaños. These inquiries seek detailed information on all communications between Bolaños and his Moroccan counterpart, Ouahbi, since the recent migrant incursions. The PP argues that transparency is essential in maintaining trust with international partners and ensuring the protection of Spain’s borders. Meanwhile, the PP has criticized the government’s limited public support for Ceuta and Melilla, highlighting that only the Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, has publicly defended the territories’ status as Spanish. De los Santos described this as “inacceptable,” arguing that the entire government should take a unified stance in defending Spain’s territorial integrity. The PP’s position underscores a deepening divide between the ruling party and its main opposition, with each side accusing the other of failing to safeguard national interests. As the situation in Ceuta continues to escalate, the pressure on the government to provide clear answers and decisive action is mounting.