Spain’s Sanchez new term gives Algeria bitter taste

As was expected, Pedro Sanchez and his PSOE-led coalition are back to the helm of power in Spain for a second term, much to the disappointment of Algeria that bet on the Spanish left.

The same far-left Sumar coalition has turned its back to Algiers following a deal to form a coalition with Sanchez that included abandoning support for the Algeria-backed Polisario separatists.

Sanchez won the support of Parliament to form a new government ending a political limbo that lasted for months since the PP that won elections failed to form a majority government.

Under Sanchez administration, Spain has backed in 2022 Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only political solution to the Sahara issue, irking the Polisario and its mentor, Algeria.

Algeria responded with a set of retaliatory measures including economic restrictions on Spanish imports and Spanish businesses, as well as threatening to cut gas.

Algeria has also weaponized migration, letting thousands of its disenchanted youth take the risky route on board embarkations at their own peril.

Spanish officials have often said that better ties with Morocco, including backing its autonomy plan for the Sahara, were a sovereign decision.

Earlier this month, Algeria returned its ambassador to Madrid, marking the recognition of its failure to pressure Spain to adopt a pro-separatist stance.