While Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi’s controversial statements are nothing new, his recent remarks about the status of Ceuta and Melilla have reignited a political firestorm across Spain. Ouahbi, speaking on Tuesday in an interview with Asharq Bloomberg, reiterated Rabat’s position that the two cities are Moroccan territories and remain « on the table » for negotiations with Madrid based on dialogue and patience. He also criticized Spain’s handling of the late July migration crisis at Ceuta, particularly regarding the repatriation of unaccompanied Moroccan minors, and emphasized that Morocco cannot serve as Europe’s immigration police.

In response, Spain’s opposition People’s Party (PP) has taken a hardline stance, demanding the immediate summoning of Morocco’s ambassador to Madrid for official consultations. The party’s push comes amid ongoing tensions over both the disputed enclaves and the recent surge in migration at the Ceuta border.

During a visit to Barcelona, PP lawmaker Jaime de los Santos highlighted what he sees as a double standard in Spain’s diplomatic response. He pointed out that Madrid swiftly summoned Italy’s ambassador earlier this summer after Rome suspended its Schengen agreement participation, questioning why a similar approach hasn’t been taken with Morocco despite the massive migrant influx at Ceuta and Ouahbi’s comments on Spanish sovereignty over the two cities.

The PP isn’t stopping at this demand. The party has also filed a series of written questions in the Spanish Congress, pressing Justice and Presidency Minister Félix Bolaños to clarify recent communications with his Moroccan counterpart since the migration crisis began two weeks ago. They’re also seeking details on how Spain plans to address Ouahbi’s remarks regarding the enclaves’ status.

Adding fuel to the fire, the PP has raised concerns about reports that Ouahbi threatened to suspend the bilateral extradition treaty between Morocco and Spain—a critical tool, in the party’s view, for facilitating the return of individuals who breached Ceuta’s border fences.

The diplomatic standoff shows no signs of resolution, with Spain’s opposition leveraging the controversy to challenge the government’s handling of foreign policy, while Prime Minister Sánchez’s administration has so far resisted calls from the right for a firmer response.