The Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) in Melilla on Tuesday accused the People's Party (PP) of exploiting the «Moroccan question» solely to undermine relations and stir up tensions. The statement comes in response to what the Socialist Party described as unfounded criticism regarding the financing of a «massive seawater desalination plant» planned for Casablanca—while, according to the People's Party, «the Melilla plant has been left to deteriorate». Rafael Robles, spokesperson for PSOE, was quoted by Europa Press as saying that the remarks made by Manuel Ángel Quevedo—coordinator of public projects and programs for PP and president of the Port Authority—«reveal a flagrant ignorance on the part of the People's Party». Robles stressed that the Spanish government is funding public infrastructure projects «built by Spanish companies, creating job opportunities for Spaniards». He also emphasized that the financing provided to Morocco for the desalination plant is a recoverable loan, «like any other financial operation». According to Robles, the PP «continues to exploit the Moroccan issue with one aim: to destabilize relations and fuel tensions in Melilla». In response, Quevedo accused the Socialist spokesman of «ignorance, extremism, and a tendency to lie and manipulate». He explained that the Casablanca plant was funded through «a loan on preferential terms, including a non-refundable portion», and pointed out that other Spanish provinces, such as Almeria and Malaga, had expressed «frustration over not receiving similar treatment». «Robles doesn't know what he's talking about. He has no understanding of the loan terms or conditions, while the Melilla desalination plant remains non-operational», Quevedo added. He recalled that the plant's extension was financed through European funds allocated under Mariano Rajoy's government, and that the costs of the project would be borne by the residents of Melilla.
