The Proposal for Increased Military Presence
The Popular Party (PP) has taken a significant step by submitting a non-legislative proposal in the Congress of Deputies, advocating for the augmentation of military capabilities in Ceuta and Melilla. This move stems from the party's concern that Morocco has not relinquished its claims over these autonomous cities, which serve as the only physical border between the European Union and Africa. The proposal specifically targets the restoration of two dissolved Legion units from the José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero administration, amidst ongoing discussions about migration pressures in the region.
Signed by Ester Muñoz, the party spokesperson, along with deputies Javier Celaya, Sofía Acedo, and Carlos Rojas, the proposal highlights the II Legionary Banner Carlos V, belonging to the Grand Captain Tercio of the Melilla General Command, and the V Banner Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba from the II Tercio Duke of Alba of the Ceuta Command. These units were disbanded between 2007 and 2009 during the tenures of Defense Ministers José Antonio Alonso and Carme Chacón, respectively. The disbandment of these banners sparked considerable controversy, as many political circles viewed the decision as a diplomatic overture towards Morocco. However, the Zapatero administration justified the move citing logistical, military, and budgetary reasons.
Context and Justification for the Proposal
The socialist government argued that the end of compulsory military service and the professionalization of the Armed Forces necessitated a reconfiguration of military structures nationwide. Furthermore, they posited that the presence of these Legion units was redundant given the capabilities of other military forces in Ceuta and Melilla. This restructuring was aimed at achieving cost savings and optimizing personnel deployment. Fast forward nearly two decades, the PP's proposal has emerged, urging the current government led by Pedro Sánchez to "recover" both Legion banners to enhance military strength in these strategically important cities.
In their proposal, the PP stresses that according to military career legislation, there should be a maximum of between 130,000 and 140,000 personnel in the Armed Forces, arguing that the geopolitical context has drastically changed since the law was enacted in 2007. They note that the number of military personnel in Ceuta and Melilla has seen a "declining evolution" over recent decades, attributed to the professionalization and modernization of the Army, despite the fact that these units participate in nearly all missions carried out by Spain in fulfillment of its international commitments. The PP's statement also underscores that the General Commands of Ceuta and Melilla fall under the command of the Canary Islands Army, highlighting the unique significance of these autonomous cities as the only land borders of Spain, aside from Andorra, with a country that is neither part of the EU nor NATO.
Furthermore, the PP frames its request against the backdrop of deteriorating international relations, particularly in light of the Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East, which have intensified concerns regarding security and defense across Europe. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte advocates for a substantial increase in defense spending, while the Trump administration in the United States has been critical of military expenditures in various nations, including Spain. The PP also recalls significant events like the border crisis that occurred on May 17 and 18, 2021, when thousands entered Ceuta from Morocco via irregular routes amid diplomatic tensions with Sánchez's government. This prompted the military to deploy resources in response to the crisis.
The party emphasizes that while relations with Morocco are characterized as "good neighborly relations," there are still "unjustified Moroccan claims" over Ceuta and Melilla. It is important to remember that figures close to King Mohammed VI refer to these cities as "occupied prisons," "colonies," or "enclaves," and show no signs of relinquishing territorial interests in them.
As reported by vozpopuli.com.
