04-03-2025
Ceuta President Joins Spanish FM in Firmly Rejecting ‘New Green March' Claims
Doha – The President of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, categorically dismissed on Tuesday any possibility of Morocco attempting to invade the enclave through a 'new Green March,' echoing recent statements by Spain's Foreign Minister who also rejected such speculation.
Speaking at the Fórum Europa breakfast event organized by Nueva Economía Fórum in Madrid, Vivas was emphatic: 'I have no concern whatsoever, and I say this with complete sincerity, that Ceuta could be affected by any risk of a possible Green March on our city. It is absolutely out of the question, and I say this with total conviction.'
Vivas warned that spreading unfounded messages about potential Moroccan actions against Ceuta would be counterproductive, potentially undermining 'the establishment of the population in Ceuta,' which he considers necessary 'to generate that climate of confidence in the future' that the city 'needs to progress and advance.'
'There is not the slightest risk of such a contingency. As I said before, Ceuta's sovereignty is guaranteed by the constitutional order and by the State, regardless of the political color of the national Government. Ceuta is Spain because the law proves it, because history praises it, and because the people of Ceuta want it, all the people of Ceuta,' Vivas concluded.
His statements come just a day after Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, made similar assertions in a Telecinco interview.
Albares firmly stated that the relationship between Donald Trump and Morocco would 'in no way' negatively impact Spain's territories in North Africa.
Read also: Spanish King, Government Under Scrutiny for Diplomatic Fouls Impacting Morocco-Spain Ties
'Morocco is a friendly country and a strategic partner, and the United States has historically been the natural ally of all Europeans,' Albares said, adding that both enclaves 'are perfectly integrated within Spain, and this is clear to everyone.'
The Foreign Minister also stressed recent progress in Spanish-Moroccan relations, including the reopening of the Melilla customs and the opening of a new one in Ceuta, as well as cooperation in fighting immigration and terrorism, and record trade reaching €25 billion.
These official statements come in response to a flurry of Spanish media reports suggesting potential threats to Ceuta and Melilla under Trump's presidency.
El Español recently published an article titled 'Fear in Ceuta and Melilla of a new Green March by Morocco with Trump's support,' which was subsequently picked up by other Spanish outlets.
Several Spanish publications have expressed concern that Trump might recognize Moroccan sovereignty over these territories, similar to his 2020 recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.
El Español reported that 'in military circles, there is speculation about the possibility of a 'new Green March with Trump's support,'' particularly as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Morocco's recovery of its southern provinces.
The Spanish outlets also noted the strengthening US-Morocco relationship, with Morocco's 2025 military budget reportedly exceeding €12 billion, a 7% increase from 2024, and the country becoming 'a major buyer of US weapons.'
However, both Vivas and Albares have firmly rejected these concerns, with Vivas specifically choosing not to speculate when asked if delays in opening commercial customs could be related to Morocco's expectations regarding Western Sahara.
'We consider that relations between Spain and Morocco are a matter of State, and we have always stood by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regardless of whatever political color the minister, the head of that department, might have,' Vivas stated.
He further advocated for 'conventional' customs 'without other limits and restrictions than what the law or logistical capacities establish.' Tags: Ceuta-MelillaMorocco Spanish Relations
