Spanish Premier Pedro Sanchez Under Fire for Weak Stance on Western Sahara During Election Debate
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS, July 17, 2023- In a highly anticipated televised debate between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his opponent, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the opposition, Sanchez’s lackluster performance and weak stance on Western Sahara drew sharp criticism from the Spanish press. As the upcoming elections loom, Sanchez’s inability to respond to accusations and provide a coherent foreign policy agenda has raised concerns about his ability to lead the country effectively.
During the debate, Feijóo took the opportunity to question Sanchez about his position on Western Sahara, a matter of significant importance for Spain’s relations with Morocco, Algeria, and the Sahrawi people. Feijóo emphasized the need for a balanced approach and criticized Sanchez for unilaterally changing Spain’s position without consulting the Spanish people or the stakeholders involved.
Feijóo stated, “The position must return to the policy of balance between Algeria, the Sahrawi people, Morocco, and Spain. This is the line that we have always adopted until you changed it. You cannot change the position on the Sahara without consulting the Spaniards. It is an international policy.”
In response to a journalist’s question regarding his position as prime minister, Feijóo highlighted the lack of information provided by Sanchez, stating, “You did not inform me of anything, did not inform the congressmen of anything, and did not ask them for permission. You broke the 30-year balance between Morocco, the Sahara, Algeria, Spain, and the United Nations.”
Feijóo further pressed Sanchez on the specifics of his agreement with Morocco, demanding transparency and accountability. Sanchez’s evasive response and attempt to divert the conversation were met with relentless questioning from Feijóo, who raised concerns about the strategic relations between Spain and Western Sahara, the misuse of Pegasus, and the lack of explanation regarding Sanchez’s foreign policy decisions.
“Why did you change the strategic relations of Spain with the Sahara? Who wrote and sent you that letter, Mr. Sanchez? What happened with Pegasus and with your phone? What information do they have about you? The issue is in the archives because of the lack of cooperation from you, Mr. Sanchez. What foreign policy do you adopt, and you do not give an explanation even in Parliament about this policy? No one knows what you agreed on with Morocco,” Feijóo bombarded Sanchez with a torrent of questions.
Sanchez’s failure to provide satisfactory answers and his attempt to deflect the discussion only further highlighted the criticism from the opposition and the Spanish public. The lack of transparency and coherent foreign policy raised concerns about Sanchez’s ability to effectively govern and make decisions in the best interest of the country.
With the legislative elections approaching on July 23, the weak performance of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his inadequate response to the pressing issues, particularly regarding Western Sahara, have created doubts about his credibility and leadership. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, they will undoubtedly consider the significance of a strong and transparent foreign policy agenda, demanding answers from the candidates to ensure a prosperous future for Spain.
