On the Throne Day, Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sanchez published two columns in which they praised the twenty years of reign of King Mohammed VI. The two politicians are now added to the list of Spanish Prime Ministers who express sympathy towards Morocco. Former Spanish Minister Mariano Rajoy was not invited to the reception held, Tuesday, at the royal palace in Tangier by King Mohammed VI to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne. Waiting for an upcoming invitation, the Spanish politician wrote a column that was published on Spanish daily ABC and entitled «Mohammed VI : Two decades of progress». In his article, the former head of the Spanish government praised the twenty years of reign of the Moroccan sovereign, all while complementing his own efforts. He started his essay by commending the reforms he had implemented while he was heading the Spanish government. «During my seven years at the government, this was the motto that inspired my cabinet. Thanks to the reforms made during that period, Spain (…) has become a role model for growth and job creation in the Euro zone (…) I believe that the same strategy has allowed Morocco to make a significant jump in the economic field, but also when it comes to democracy». Mariano Rajoy «At this particular moment, I would like to encourage the governments of Morocco and Spain to continue to strengthen cooperation with one another», he stressed. He also urged officials in both Rabat and Madrid to «show the world that this melting point that brings two Mediterranean shores together allows these two nations to collaborate». Pedro Sanchez and his colums on El Pais The support that Rajoy brought to the Moroccan King in his column was similar to the one voiced by another Spanish Prime Minister. Pedro Sanchez published a column, on July 29, on El Pais, congratulating King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the Throne Day. «I reiterate my commitment to the need of developing bilateral relations and cooperation. I am committed to it with the belief that Spain and Morocco are, today and more than ever, two countries that are united and connected». Pedro Sanchez The head of the Spanish government says that «Spain considers Morocco as a brother country and a strategic partner first and foremost. Together, we share prosperity and security and we strongly promote stability in the Western Mediterranean area». The socialists who preside over the governments are known to be very close to Morocco. Sanchez thus follows in the footsteps of his predecessors : José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Felipe Gonzalez. On the other hand, Mariano Rajoy's essay is the first of its kind, especially as he had never tried to hide his strong opinions against Morocco while heading the Spanish government.
