The Spanish Popular Party (PP) in Melilla has responded to media reports about the possible reopening of commercial customs with Morocco. Seizing the opportunity to attack Spain’s ruling party, the PSOE, they have resorted to populism to win over the “goodwill” of the city’s residents.
Following reports of advanced negotiations regarding the reopening of commercial customs between the occupied city of Melilla and Morocco, closed by Rabat in 2018, many have used the topic for political leverage.
This is particularly true for the Popular Party, which quickly took a stand after hearing that Morocco would dictate the types of goods imported into the city – disadvantaging local traders since 70% of Melilla’s imports were intended for export to Morocco.
The Popular Party’s government in Melilla has thus assured that it would only give its “approval” for the reopening of commercial customs with Morocco if it were on “equal terms.”
This was stated by Fadela Mohatar, spokesperson for the Melilla government and a member of the Popular Party, who stressed that the import and export regime with this occupied city should be conducted as it would with any Spanish or European city.
Since Morocco closed the commercial customs with Melilla, preventing the “mule women” phenomenon, the city’s economy has plummeted, as it heavily relied on reselling products imported from Spain to Morocco through contraband.
The regional executive’s spokesperson, Mohatar, indicated that Melilla’s economic situation is “concerning,” stating that the city has hit “the lowest GDP.” She accused the Spanish central government of a lack of transparency and expressed her “shock” at the possibility of Morocco imposing “conditions on the passage of goods.”
The Socialist government should publicly speak out to reassure the public, Mohatar declared, emphasizing that “the interests of Melilla’s citizens are at risk and compromised.”
She criticized the “lack of information” from the Melilla Government Delegation following media reports without any certainty. Furthermore, she lamented that “Melilla’s citizens know nothing” about the state of negotiations.
According to her, city leaders should provide explanations and clarifications on managing a potential customs reopening “because it impacts the city of Melilla.”
