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In Melilla, merchants and businessmen are frustrated over the recent decision made by the Moroccan Customs and Excise Administration. The latter closed since August the 1st, commercial borders between the Kingdom and the Spanish enclave.
Containers, wishing to make their way into Morocco are now required to go through the Bni N’sar port. «It’s a decision that would benefit the Moroccan port», a well-informed source told Yabiladi on Sunday.
While Moroccans are being positive about the decision, Spanish merchants are angry and frustrated. For Spanish daily newspaper, El Confidencial, the step is suffocating the city’s economy, complaining that the Moroccan authorities did not consult their counterparts in Melilla.
Seeking the help of Angela Merkel
Speaking about the closure to La Sexta, Margarita Lopez, president of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs in Melilla said that she sent a letter to the Prime Minister, informing him about the problem.
Waiting for an answer, the Melilla business platform also sought the help of Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel. On Twitter, she asked for the Chancellor’s help to «solve the very serious problem» with Morocco.
A press release, published Sunday, shows that the city witnessed a 43.5% drop in container traffic. «Third-country merchandise has also been reduced. Ro-Ro ship’s activities (used to transport vehicles, among others) decreased by 27% compared to July 2007».
Ciudadanos denounces the «weakness» of Sanchez’ government
Twelve days after the Moroccan measure was implemented, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party is still observing in silence. This is not the case for the center-right party Ciudadanos (opposition) which quickly commented on the issue.
The party's spokesman in Melilla, MP Eduardo de Castro, explained that the «blockade» ordered by «the neighboring country» was entered into force because «we have a weak government in Melilla and a weak government in Madrid. Morocco is playing with the interests of many people».
The closure of the commercial borders with Melilla is able to revive parties in Spain accusing Morocco of blackmailing the country, using migration.
