Spanish Coalition Rift Emerges as Leaders Meet with Morocco

A diplomatic summit between Spain and Morocco began under a political cloud on Tuesday. The meeting was overshadowed by a boycott from Spain's junior governing coalition partner, Sumar. Sumar refused to attend, including its deputy prime minister. The party objects to Spain's stance on Western Sahara, a territory disputed between Morocco and the Polisario Front independence movement. In 2022, Spain shifted its long-held policy to support Morocco's plan for Western Sahara autonomy under Moroccan rule. Sumar strongly opposes this position, creating tension within Spain's left-wing coalition government. The summit proceeded with other senior Spanish officials. The boycott highlights a significant foreign policy division at the highest level of the Spanish government.