Spain’s probable shift regarding Sahrawi conflict signals a blow to Makhzen
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Recent developments suggest that Spain is preparing to shift its pro-Moroccan stance in the Sahrawi conflict and restore its relations with Algeria to their former state. The Spanish People’s Party has announced its efforts to end the crisis with Algeria, against the backdrop of a decline in Pedro Sanchez’s party’s popularity in the recent elections.
Opinion polls conducted by several specialized institutions in Spain indicate that the People’s Party is likely to lead the government. Esteban Gonzalez, the official responsible for international affairs in the party, has confirmed that if his party leads the government, it will abide by the United Nations resolutions regarding the Sahrawi conflict and support the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination.
These developments suggest that the Spanish position on the Sahrawi issue will witness a significant shift, following the departure of Pedro Sanchez and his party from the government. This shift will constitute a blow to the Makhzen, which had placed a lot of faith in a position that was an anomaly for Spanish diplomacy, known for its clear bias towards international legitimacy.
Furthermore, Gonzalez has confirmed that his party will work hard to restore relations with Algeria to their previous state and strengthen them further. This move is likely to have a significant impact on the Sahrawi conflict, given Algeria’s support for the Saharawi people’s right to self-determination.
