An unannounced family vacation in Morocco by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sparked criticism from right-wing opponents and left-wing allies amid a political impasse in Spain and rising tensions with the southern neighbor. His office indicated that it is a very private vacation, and Sánchez paid for it entirely. This is the first vacation Sánchez has taken abroad since assuming office in 2018.
The move has angered his ally, the Podemos party, which sharply criticized what it termed the unjustified complete shift in Spanish government policy. Podemos’ spokesperson on foreign affairs, Idoia Bianueva, stated, "This latest trip indicates the problematic nature of Sánchez's policy towards Morocco." She added that "Sánchez continues to demonstrate his laxity towards Morocco day by day, while Morocco continues to violate fundamental rights without consequences."
The opposition Popular Party, led by Miguel Tiedra, also condemned the trip, describing it as a "clear provocation" stemming from Sánchez's "arrogance." The party has called for Sánchez to be more transparent regarding his relationships with Morocco. The far-right Vox party remarked on its account on X platform, "It seems Sánchez loves Morocco more than Spain." They accused him of "opening the doors" to illegal immigration and supporting Moroccan farmers amidst a drought in Spain.
Moroccan media were the first to report the visit, welcoming Sánchez’s choice of the kingdom for his vacation. The Moroccan news site "Lo 360" stated that the visit "sends a message of friendship towards Morocco," referring to Madrid's support for Rabat's stance on Western Sahara.
