Melilla’s government has expressed skepticism regarding the potential benefits of the upcoming high-level meeting between Spain and Morocco. The autonomous city’s leadership believes that previous summit commitments have failed to materialize, remaining mere promises with little to no tangible impact, particularly concerning customs, passenger transit, and border management.
Fadela Mohatar, spokesperson for the Melilla government and Deputy Secretary-General for Communication in the People’s Party, stated in a press conference that the city has not witnessed any real progress despite repeated assurances from the central government in Madrid. She emphasized that Melilla hoped to avoid a repeat of past agreements that were never implemented, as these are crucial for the city’s present and future and affect the principle of equality with other regions of Spain.
Mohatar pointed out that commercial customs have remained closed since Morocco unilaterally closed them in 2018. Although their reopening was announced in January 2025, their operation has been described as erratic and ineffective, and often completely absent.
The spokesperson continued her criticism, stating that the disruption of the passenger transit system creates unfair competition and harms local commercial activity. She noted that Moroccan authorities prevent the entry of most goods purchased from Ceuta and Melilla, while allowing products to pass towards the Spanish side, with the exception of fish, meat, and dairy products.
The People’s Party leader urged the Spanish government to adopt a clear and firm stance towards Rabat, emphasizing the need to defend Melilla’s interests in any future bilateral negotiations. She also expressed hope that any future political change in Spain, particularly the rise of Alberto Núñez Feijóo, would end what she described as the state of institutional neglect that the city has suffered for years.
