Melilla businessmen have expressed deep disappointment with the Spanish central government, accusing it of broken promises. José Luis Martínez Lázaro, president of the Andalusian Family Business Association, told local news outlet El Faro de Melilla that despite attending numerous meetings and being promised €357 million, the business community has seen no tangible benefits. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and border closures has exacerbated the situation, with none of the 16 agreed-upon measures implemented. Lázaro criticized the 2022 agreement to reopen the customs border, claiming only passenger traffic has resumed. He described the current transit operation as absurd, questioning the necessity of Moroccan citizens traveling through Spanish ports to reach their home country. He further asserted that Morocco has no interest in reopening the customs border and is primarily focused on securing Spanish support. Martínez Lázaro expressed pessimism about Melilla's future, citing a declining population due to job opportunities elsewhere and strong ties to Morocco.
