While Morocco’s Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has a history of sparking controversy, his latest remarks about the status of Ceuta and Melilla have triggered an unprecedented diplomatic firestorm in Spain.

In an August 12 interview with Asharq Bloomberg, Mr. Ouahbi reiterated Morocco’s longstanding position that the two Spanish enclaves are Moroccan territories, stating that the issue remains “on the table” within a framework of dialogue and patience. He also criticized Spain’s handling of the late July migration crisis, particularly regarding the repatriation of unaccompanied Moroccan minors, and dismissed Morocco’s role as Europe’s migration police.

Reacting swiftly, Spain’s opposition Popular Party (PP) has demanded that the government summon Morocco’s ambassador for urgent consultations. The move comes as Madrid faces mounting pressure to respond to both the renewed territorial dispute and the recent border surge at Ceuta.

During a visit to Barcelona, PP lawmaker Jaime de los Santos drew parallels with Italy’s suspension of the Schengen Agreement, questioning why Spain had not taken similar action against Morocco despite the mass migrant crossings and Ouahbi’s provocative remarks about Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.

The PP has escalated its demands by submitting formal parliamentary questions to Spain’s Minister of the Presidency and Justice, Félix Bolaños. The inquiries seek clarification on all recent communications between Madrid and Rabat following the migration crisis, as well as the government’s response to Ouahbi’s statements about the enclaves’ status.

The conservatives have also raised concerns about a potential Moroccan threat to suspend the extradition treaty between the two countries—a treaty the PP argues is vital for managing the return of individuals who crossed the border fences.

The diplomatic standoff shows no signs of resolution, with Spain’s opposition using the controversy as a political tool against the government, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration has so far resisted calls for a firm response.