Pedro Sánchez has found another lifeline. Far from being intimidated by the criticism received from other European leaders over the migration crisis in Ceuta, he went on the offensive yesterday with a very harsh letter against countries like Italy or Finland, which called for Spain’s exclusion from the Schengen area. Arguing that “full control of the border has been restored, extensive humanitarian assistance has been provided, and practically all migrants who crossed have been returned,” he described the reactions of the leaders who attacked Spain as “selfish reactions.”
Read more An explosion in a Moscow restaurant leaves 3 dead and 21 injured
In an unusually tough stance for European diplomacy, Sánchez demanded an urgent meeting of European interior ministers yesterday to analyze the problem. The Spanish president recalled in his letter that, according to Frontex, Spain “has one of the least permeable external borders in the EU” and reminded that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area.
Sánchez’s forceful response makes sense given the wide international resonance, on social media and in major television news programs, of the images of thousands of Moroccans crossing the border in Ceuta. This has been linked to the migrant regularization process launched by the Spanish government, which has upset some European partners. The news that the vast majority of young Moroccans have already returned to their country has taken a back seat. Sánchez’s strong letter sought to abruptly cut off the growing discontent in the main European foreign ministries against Spain’s migration policy. And for that, nothing better than to have a face-to-face debate among the various partners.
Read more At least 13 dead after a small plane crashes in Peru
The Spanish leader is taking a risk again with this decision, just as he was the first to criticize Israel for its actions in Gaza or Donald Trump for the operation in Venezuela. What is clear is that a hostile atmosphere against Spain was beginning to grow in Brussels. Internally, intelligence mechanisms have failed, and here the Spanish government will indeed have to engage in self-criticism. But the main problem today lies in external credibility. And Sánchez has opted for an all-out gamble.
Read more Iris Tió wins two silver medals of different kinds to boost the Spanish medal tally in Paris
