In a new political move that could reshape Lisbon’s stance on the Sahara conflict, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Portuguese National Assembly discussed a resolution presented by the right-wing Chega party, calling for the government to officially recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and to sever any official ties with the separatist Polisario Front.
The proposal is based on Morocco’s reclaiming of its Sahara in 1975 through the Green March, criticizing the Portuguese position as “ambiguous,” which the party claimed oscillates between supporting the principle of self-determination under the United Nations and endorsing the Moroccan autonomy initiative while maintaining relations with the Polisario.
Deputy Diogo Pacheco Amorim pointed out that this ambiguity hinders the enhancement of Moroccan-Portuguese relations, recalling Morocco’s rejection of Portuguese aid following the Al Hauz earthquake in 2023, preferring to collaborate with other countries deemed “friendly.”
The proposal is expected to be presented to the General Assembly for a vote soon, determining whether Lisbon will continue its neutrality or take a clear stance in support of Moroccan sovereignty.
Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel confirmed in July that his country supports Morocco’s autonomy plan, reiterating the United Nations’ role in reaching a lasting political solution.
