Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit Algeria on July 20. The visit notes a critical phase in bilateral relations between the two nations. The Spanish newspaper The Objective, citing Spanish diplomatic sources, confirmed the travel plans, emphasizing the strategic importance of this high-level engagement.
Delegation Details and Diplomatic Significance
The upcoming visit signifies a notable improvement in Algerian-Spanish relations, following a protracted 28-month political and diplomatic crisis that strained ties between the two Mediterranean neighbours. This diplomatic thaw is a key outcome of recent shifts in policy and engagement. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is anticipated to be joined by two cabinet ministers during his trip to Algeria, showing the full nature of the discussions planned. Among the high-ranking officials, Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition Sara Aagesen is expected to be part of the official delegation, indicating a focus on shared environmental and energy agendas. Before traveling to Algeria for these key talks, Mr. Sánchez is scheduled to attend the traditional Bastille Day military parade in Paris on July 14, participating in another significant international event.
Allegations of Moroccan Interference
In a development that has drawn diplomatic attention, reports aligned with the Moroccan monarchy asserted that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's visit had been postponed until next autumn. These claims, which circulated widely, cited legal troubles concerning his wife, Begoña Gómez, as the purported reason for the alleged delay. A news website, reportedly financed by Moroccan intelligence services, further amplified these claims, stating that the visit was postponed due to ongoing legal proceedings involving Ms. Gómez. This source specifically alleged corruption-related issues and a travel ban against her, aiming to cast a shadow over the Prime Minister's international engagements. However, official Spanish sources have consistently refuted these allegations, maintaining the original schedule for the visit.
Separately, the governing Sumar coalition intends to secure parliamentary approval for the 'Descendants Law' before the end of the month. This legislative goal, which has significant implications for certain populations, operates independently of the diplomatic reports regarding Mr. Sánchez's travel plans and the allegations of Moroccan interference. The coalition is pushing for its swift passage through the full Parliament.
Western Sahara and Migrant Policy
Relations between Algeria and Spain began recovering following Madrid’s key 2022 decision to support Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This shift marked a turning point after a period of strained relations. In a related legislative move, the Justice Committee of the Spanish Parliament lifted its hold on proposed legislation granting Spanish citizenship to eligible residents of Western Sahara. The proposed 'Descendants Law' would specifically allow Sahrawis born before August 11, 1977, to obtain Spanish nationality through naturalization, recognizing historical ties and offering a pathway to citizenship. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s visit also coincides with Spain's broader initiative to regularize the status of large numbers of migrants, a measure expected to benefit many Algerian nationals residing in Spain, thereby addressing a significant social and humanitarian issue. This regularization effort is seen as a gesture of goodwill and practical cooperation.
Economic Fallout and Regional Dynamics
Moroccan authorities are concerned that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's visit could further strengthen ties between Algeria and Spain, potentially altering regional power dynamics. The dispute between the two nations initially erupted after Spain shifted its position on the Western Sahara issue in 2022, a move that prompted a strong reaction from Algeria. This led Algeria to recall its ambassador from Madrid and impose significant economic measures against Spain, creating a substantial impact on trade and investment. These tensions reportedly cost Spanish companies an estimated €3.2 billion in lost business and opportunities, noting the severe economic repercussions of the diplomatic rift. Spanish exports to Algeria subsequently experienced a dramatic decline, falling from €1.9 billion in 2021 to a mere €330 million in 2023, illustrating the extent of the economic fallout. Regionally, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is expected to visit Germany later this month, indicating Algeria's active diplomatic engagement with other European partners. Additionally, Algeria and the European Union remain at odds over the revision of their Association Agreement, which originally entered into force in 2005, reflecting ongoing complexities in their broader relationship.