According to Spanish media, the Socialist Party, PSOE, of Pedro Sanchez and some far-right parties were the only ones to vote against the European Parliament resolution on the situation of journalists in Morocco, with the exception of the President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Iratxe García, who voted in favor.
The resolution on press freedom was voted on Thursday 19 January, as almost a third of MEPs were absent (430 out of 705 present).
The text, prepared by Liberals and Democrats Renew Europe, the Greens/EFA, the European Conservatives, and Reformists Group (ECR), and far-left parties, received 356 votes in favor, 32 against, and 42 abstentions.
The non-vote of this Spanish party highlights the importance of Morocco to Spain. The two countries are strategic partners. Moreover, this vote comes a few days before the Moroccan-Spanish high-level meeting in Rabat, which held its last session in 2015.
It should be recalled that the 12th high-level meeting will be held in Rabat on 1 and 2 February, according to a statement from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.