Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing sharp criticism over his government's response to an ongoing border crisis in Ceuta, following allegations that officials failed to act despite advance warnings from security services.
Writing in a commentary published on August 28, 2026, columnist Abel Hernández questioned why the administration took no action after receiving prior intelligence regarding an incoming border influx. Hernández noted that Spain's Minister of Defence had acknowledged that authorities possessed advance information about the events.
The columnist criticized Sánchez for remaining on vacation during the crisis and questioned the nature of the prime minister's commitments to the King of Morocco, describing the official posture as apparent vassalage.
Pegasus Spyware and Blackmail Allegations
Hernández reported that suspicions are growing that Sánchez may be subject to blackmail following the infection of his mobile phone with Pegasus spyware. He recalled that the spyware breach was previously cited as the reason behind Spain's sudden policy shift on Western Sahara, which was executed without informing King Felipe VI or the Spanish Parliament.
Adding to the tension, an Algerian hacker group known as Jabaroot has threatened to publish files related to the Pegasus spyware. The group claims to possess a list of 70,000 Moroccan spies operating across Spain.
Concerns Over State Presence in North Africa
The column warned that the situation in Ceuta risks becoming entrenched and expressed fears of a deliberate plan leading to the future handover of both Ceuta and Melilla to Morocco. Hernández claimed that current policy promotes a gradual withdrawal of state authority from the North African cities, comparing the situation to political dynamics in Catalonia and the Basque Country.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish autonomous cities located on the North African coast bordering Morocco. Western Sahara is a disputed territory in North Africa that was formerly governed as a Spanish province.
Restrictions on Royal Visits and Intelligence Services
Hernández also pointed to what he described as political influence by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party over Spain's National Intelligence Centre. He alleged that intelligence warnings regarding the Ceuta invasion had been delivered well in advance of the events.
Furthermore, the columnist stated that Prime Minister Sánchez has blocked the King of Spain from visiting Ceuta and Melilla during the current crisis. Hernández concluded that the government's actions amount to an unannounced retreat by the Spanish state from its historic territories across the Strait of Gibraltar.
