On 22 August, the Spanish government reiterated its categorical rejection of Moroccan claims to Ceuta and Melilla . At the same time, the leader of the Partido Popular, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, called on the executive of Pedro Sánchez to approve a first visit by King Felipe VI. to Ceuta.
In an interview with Europa Press, Feijóo said he was convinced “that the King wants to go to Ceuta” and would do so “if the Spanish government approves the visit”. He referred to Felipe VI's meeting with the president of the city of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, in early August at the Palacio de Marivent. In carrying out his constitutional duties, the monarch is “the guarantor of sovereignty and territorial integrity”, Feijóo said. However, the decision on timing rests with the government, which schedules the King's official visits for security and protocol reasons.
On Thursday, the government sent Rabat an unequivocal message: Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish cities, and Moroccan moves to the contrary would be firmly rejected. At the end of July, Pedro Sánchez had already announced additional measures to secure the border and cooperate with the authorities during a visit to Ceuta. Official statements from La Moncloa and the foreign ministry in early August had also stressed that the special Schengen arrangements for both cities did not call into question their belonging to Spain.
Politically, Feijóo's proposal comes amid heightened tensions following mass unauthorised border crossings at the end of July and continued pressure on the border. The PP leader sees a royal visit as a clear signal of state presence. Representatives of the PSOE accuse him, however, of exploiting the situation for party-political purposes and contributing to rising tensions. Government sources say the situation and security aspects are being kept under continuous review; no decision has yet been taken on a trip by Felipe VI.
A visit by the head of state would have security and diplomatic implications beyond its symbolic significance. It would require extensive planning on the ground, involve coordination with Morocco and affect how the situation in Ceuta is perceived. Whether and when Felipe VI will travel to Ceuta remains open until the government sets a date or grants approval.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).