The renowned Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun, one of the most widely read Moroccan authors in the world, recounts that, while returning from a seaside party, he found himself among a large crowd of young people. “Hundreds and hundreds of boys were walking towards Ceuta. No one could explain to me what was happening.”
It is a holiday in Morocco. On the occasion of the Feast of the Throne, the king gave the traditional speech and declared an amnesty for about two thousand prisoners. Many young people seem to have interpreted this atmosphere as an opportunity to set off for Spain. The famous Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun, one of the most widely read Moroccan authors in the world, says that, while returning from a holiday by the sea, he found himself among a large crowd of young people. “Hundreds and hundreds of boys were walking towards Ceuta. No one could explain to me what was happening.” The next day he tries to analyze the situation.
How do you explain this sudden mass exodus?
The first reason is that Spain decided in June to legalize about 500 migrant workers. In addition, the Administrative Court of Madrid ruled that undocumented immigrants who arrive by sea cannot be automatically deported. This information has been widely circulated on social networks and has encouraged many young people to try their luck.
Do they leave to find work?
It’s not the main reason. A friend of mine runs a large hotel in Tangier and told me that some of his employees suddenly left to try their luck in Europe, even though they had good salaries and secure jobs. They chose adventure.
So, does the European dream still live on?
I wouldn’t call it a dream, but a fascination with Spain, France or Italy. Even though those who have emigrated say that life there is not paradise, that there is unemployment and many difficulties, when you are fascinated you don’t see reality.
Are there jobs in Morocco?
Yes. A building is being built near my house. Yesterday I met the site manager and he told me that he is desperate because he cannot find workers. Young people do not want to work; they only think about leaving. It is an irrational fascination that no logical argument can change.
There is also a new element these days: the Lamine Yamal phenomenon. For these young people he is a role model because his father, a Moroccan, illegally immigrated to Spain, married an Ecuadorian woman and then legalized himself. Today Lamine Yamal has millions of followers and many young people think that if he succeeded, then there is hope for them too.
Will everyone turn back?
Yes. But there is another issue that is often mentioned in the Moroccan media: Ceuta and Melilla are located in Moroccan territory, but are under Spanish sovereignty. It is a five-century history and perhaps it is time for Madrid to find a solution, because this border remains constantly under pressure.
Could this crisis push Spain to reconsider the issue of Ceuta and Melilla?
I don’t believe it. Neither the Socialists nor the right are willing to give them up. They consider them strategic territories for Spain’s interests. On the contrary, this crisis could strengthen the right, both the Popular Party and Vox, which hold tough positions on Morocco.
Why did Moroccan police allow migrants to cross the border?
I have no answer. I have no information and the Moroccan media are not giving any explanations. It is clear that this situation has created great tension between the two countries. Pedro Sánchez, who has shown courage in the face of Trump and Netanyahu and has had good relations with Morocco, could lose the next elections.
Could this be revenge for Sánchez’s friendly meeting with the Algerian president and the rapprochement between Algeria and France?
In my opinion, France has made a big mistake. Algeria is a dictatorial regime and has nothing in common with the constitutional monarchy of Morocco. Relations between Spain and Morocco remain very good and the two countries are cooperating on the return of those who crossed the border.
Do relations between Morocco and Algeria continue to be strained?
Yes, it is still a kind of cold war. Sometimes it even reaches the point of absurdity. During the World Cup, the Algerian media did not report the results of Morocco and vice versa. A very senseless behavior. Moreover, Algeria often carries out international actions to harm Morocco, even through corruption. This recently happened with Nigerian aviation, which cut off several air connections.
What about Western Sahara, does the tension continue?
For me, that issue is closed. The United Nations has assessed that the Moroccan proposal is the best solution and Emmanuel Macron has also recognized this. Italy, in this file, plays on two chairs because it has great interests with Algeria.
How do you assess the Italian government’s threat to suspend Schengen with Spain after the events in Ceuta?
I don’t understand what authority Giorgia Meloni has to make such a decision. She is not the president of Europe and it doesn’t seem to me that she has the right to punish another European country. Ultimately, this story shows that immigration is increasingly being used as a bargaining chip in the political game between governments. And this is dramatic.
What is the situation in Morocco today?
There have been many social advances and the king enjoys great support. I don’t agree with every one of his policies, but I support the current direction of the country. This year, economic growth is expected to be between 4 and 5 percent. However, unemployment remains around 13 percent, while there is a demand for labor. Yesterday, an entrepreneur told me jokingly: ‘We will have to look for workers in Bangladesh.’ It was a joke. (La Stampa)