Rabat \u2013 A new survey by Spain\u2019s Elcano Royal Institute shows that 55% of Spanish people view Morocco as a main external threat to their country.<\/p>\n
The number marks a six-point increase from a similar survey that the institute carried out last year.<\/p>\n
Conducted between May 19-29 this year, the survey featured responses from 1,000 participants.<\/p>\n
The findings ranked <\/a>Morocco higher than Russia in terms of how much the North African country is perceived as a threat among Spaniards.<\/p>\n Russia comes next with 33% of votes and the US with 19% \u2013 the latter marking a surge from 5% in 2024.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n According to the survey, the perception of Morocco as an external threat is stronger among right-wing respondents.<\/p>\n Over 60% of the respondents, meanwhile, see Spain<\/a> as safe from immediate threat from other countries, while 40% of others disagree.<\/p>\n The perception of Morocco as a threat is fueled by different factors, including narratives in the Spanish media, which closely monitor the country\u2019s development across multiple sectors, particularly the military.<\/p>\n In November, Spanish media were concerned about US President Donald Trump\u2019s re-election as well as the strengthened ties between Rabat and Washington, with local analysts warning of the potential implications for Spain\u2019s interests and influence in the Mediterranean.\u00a0<\/p>\n Spanish newspaper El Confidencial quoted Jose Antonio Gurpegui claiming that the strong ties between Morocco and the US will influence any future disputes between Rabat and Madrid.<\/p>\n A few months ago, Spanish media also warned of growing threats to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Several publications expressed alarm over potential shifts in the enclaves\u2019 status under Donald Trump\u2019s second<\/a> US presidency.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the realm of security, there is concern that Trump could make an announcement about Ceuta and Melilla similar to what he did about Morocco\u2019s sovereignty over the Sahara,\u201d El Espa\u00f1ol reported in an analysis published in February.<\/p>\n Spanish media outlets are also concerned about Morocco\u2019s robust and growing military,\u00a0 viewing it as a threat rather than a sovereign strategic choice.<\/p>\n