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During his inaugural visit to Melilla, Spain’s People’s Party (PP) leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo sent a pointed message to Morocco, declaring that the city stands as a «Spanish and European border», and that the protection of Melilla and Ceuta «is neither optional nor negotiable».
Feijóo chaired a PP leadership committee meeting in Melilla, the first of its kind since the party’s founding, and outlined his plans should he become head of government. He pledged to designate both Melilla and Ceuta as «priority territories» within the European Union, a status that would allow them to manage European support and cohesion funds. According to Feijóo, this move could transform Melilla into a «model European city» through targeted investment.
He also vowed to advocate within EU institutions for the deployment of Frontex at the borders and to strengthen the presence of European bodies in both enclaves.
Addressing migration, the opposition leader called for «legal and organized immigration», proposing temporary work permits tied to specific labor needs, ensuring that workers return after their contracts, and tightening the criteria for obtaining Spanish citizenship.
Feijóo described Melilla as a «laboratory of tolerance and coexistence». Local government leader Javier Imbroda echoed that sentiment, noting that around 40% of the PP’s elected officials in the city are Muslim Amazighs, which he said reflects Melilla’s model of political integration.
Feijóo concluded his visit with a statement that resonated strongly among his supporters: «Melilla is Spain… Melilla is Europe».
