Encouragement of the Atlas Lions at the World Cup Reignites Identity Debate in Ceuta and Melilla

The renewed brilliance of the Moroccan national team in the World Cup has reignited discussions about the identity and belonging of the residents of Ceuta and Melilla. A large number of people there, who share cultural and family ties with Morocco, enjoy widespread support for the Moroccan team, which has sparked a debate within Spain about the concepts of nationality and belonging. The "Nueva Melilla" party responded to right-wing criticisms by asserting that supporting Morocco does not diminish the identity of the Spanish city. They emphasized that national belonging is not measured by hostility toward the neighboring country, and that cultural and social relations with Morocco are natural and widespread among the population.