Felipe VI Wants to Visit Ceuta, but Morocco Could Derail the Visit
Felipe VI has committed to visiting Ceuta, but no date has been set. The visit is particularly sensitive in relation to Morocco and does not depend solely on the monarch: the Spanish government must give its green light.
The president of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, revealed this commitment after meeting with Felipe VI on Thursday at the Marivent Palace in Majorca.
On Bladi.net : Felipe VI wants to visit Ceuta, nineteen years after Mohammed VI’s anger
“The king is committed to this visit and I am convinced that he will keep his word,” he declared, though he was unable to specify when the trip would take place.
According to Cadena SER, Felipe VI has never yet made an official visit to Ceuta since ascending to the throne in 2014. Such a visit also requires the approval of the Spanish government, as the monarch does not hold executive power.
A Highly Sensitive Visit for Morocco
The last visit by the Spanish royal couple to Ceuta dates back to 2007. Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía then traveled to Ceuta and subsequently to Melilla, provoking a strong reaction from Rabat and the recall of Morocco’s ambassador to Madrid.
The context is particularly delicate today. Ceuta has just experienced a massive influx of migrants from Morocco, putting the city back at the center of political and migration tensions between Rabat and Madrid.
On Bladi.net : Spanish King’s Potential Visit to Ceuta Raises Diplomatic Tensions with Morocco
Felipe VI has therefore made his intention to travel to Ceuta known. But the timetable does not depend entirely on him: it will be Pedro Sánchez’s government that must consider the time right.
