Tensions continue to escalate after a massive influx of migrants into the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta on July 30 and 31. According to reports from El País, citing government and Royal Household sources, the Spanish government is considering whether to ask King Felipe VI to intervene to de-escalate the tense situation with Morocco.
Government Explores New Royal Diplomacy Avenues
Reportedly, a cabinet minister from the Spanish government has made informal contact with the Royal Household to explore the possibility of King Felipe VI calling King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The government believes this move could serve a dual purpose: expressing gratitude for Morocco’s control measures following the migrant surge and acknowledging their decision to repatriate the migrants involved. However, as of now, the much-anticipated call has not been made. The Royal Household has stated it is closely monitoring the situation and awaits the government’s final decision on the necessity and timing of such an action. Sources indicate that if the government makes a formal request and deems it “necessary and appropriate,” the King would not rule out taking action.
The King Closely Monitors and Engages in Dialogue
Since the crisis began, Felipe VI has been paying close attention to the situation in Ceuta. He has taken several actions, including a rare meeting with the mayor of the autonomous city of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, at his summer residence in Palma. The King has also spoken separately with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the leader of the People’s Party (PP) Alberto Núñez Feijóo, and the mayor of the other autonomous city, Melilla, Juan José Imbroda, to discuss the current challenges. These actions show that although the King’s constitutional role requires coordination with the government, he is actively working behind the scenes to stay informed and build consensus.
A Tale of Two Monarchs: Contrasting Interaction Styles
The personal relationship between Felipe VI and Mohammed VI is a key factor in assessing the potential for this royal diplomatic effort. In contrast to the close bond their fathers shared, the two current monarchs have a more formal and reserved relationship. Former King Juan Carlos I and the late Moroccan King Hassan II referred to each other as “brothers,” and their personal friendship often served as a “fire extinguisher” during times of bilateral tension. Diplomatic sources familiar with the relationship between the two royal families note that Felipe VI and Mohammed VI are not on bad terms; their interaction is simply more cautious. One detail reveals an ongoing private connection: Mohammed VI once sought a Spanish tutor for Crown Prince Moulay Hassan through the Spanish embassy in Rabat.
A Royal Visit to Ceuta? A Highly Sensitive Political Issue
Another key question is whether Felipe VI will visit Ceuta in person. Ceuta’s mayor, Vivas, has publicly stated that the King promised him he would visit the city. However, a visit by a Spanish monarch to Ceuta and Melilla has always been a sensitive issue that strains nerves in Morocco. The Royal Household remains cautious, emphasizing that any visit must be “beneficial and appropriate” and requires careful coordination with the government regarding the political timing. In the current context, both a phone call from the King and a physical visit would carry strong political signals, profoundly impacting Spain’s handling of this crisis and its future policy towards Morocco.
