Spanish PM denies Morocco blackmail allegations over migration crisis

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has firmly denied allegations that Morocco is using compromised phone data to blackmail his government, dismissing claims made by the opposition Popular Party as unfounded.

The opposition party has suggested that Sanchez's apparent reluctance to take a harder line with Morocco on the migration crisis stems from concerns that Rabat possesses hacked personal communications. However, Sanchez rejected these assertions, stating that Spain's approach to migration and bilateral relations with Morocco is based on pragmatic policy considerations rather than external pressure.

The allegations come amid ongoing tensions between Spain and Morocco over irregular migration flows across the Mediterranean Sea, a persistent challenge affecting both nations. The two countries have experienced diplomatic friction in recent years over various issues, including the Western Sahara question and maritime boundaries.

Sanchez's government has pursued what it describes as a balanced approach to managing migration while maintaining functional relations with Morocco, a key transit country for African migrants attempting to reach Europe. The Spanish government maintains that its policies are designed to address security and humanitarian concerns while cooperating with regional partners on border management and migration control.