Spain's PM denies being blackmailed by Morocco

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain has firmly rejected allegations that he is being blackmailed by Morocco regarding the recent influx of migrants into Ceuta, a North African territory under Spain's control. This comes as over 70,000 migrants crossed over from Morocco at the end of July, a surge that has fueled speculation and garnered criticism from both opposition parties and the public.

The right-wing Popular Party, alongside its leader Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, has suggested that Sanchez is hesitant to confront Morocco due to potential blackmail involving hacked phone information. On Monday evening, Sanchez emphasized that international relations should be built on facts and respect, dismissing the wild speculation surrounding the mobile phone or other matters as fitting material for a Netflix series.

He reiterated that he has not presented any solid proof linking Morocco to the wave of migrants on July 30 and 31, noting that most of those who entered Ceuta did so and returned within hours. Sanchez stated that while there is no concrete evidence yet to confirm Morocco's responsibility, the situation in Ceuta has worsened, with several thousand migrants remaining and experiencing violence and daily demonstrations.

The government is now working to identify those still in Ceuta to determine their asylum eligibility, with unaccompanied children unable to be deported.