Portugal has publicly supported Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, calling it a serious and credible basis for resolving the long-standing territorial dispute. The comments by Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel on Tuesday place Portugal alongside several Western powers that have moved closer to Rabat’s position in recent years.
The dispute over Western Sahara, a sparsely populated region bordering Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania, dates back to 1975 when Spain withdrew from its former colony. Morocco claims sovereignty over the territory, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks to establish an independent state. In 1976, the Polisario declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which continues to exist as a government-in-exile.
Following a meeting in Lisbon with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Rangel said Portugal viewed the autonomy plan put forward by King Mohammed VI in 2007 as a serious and credible option under the auspices of the United Nations. The plan envisions Western Sahara having its own legislative, executive and judicial bodies, elected by local residents, while Morocco would retain authority over defence, foreign affairs and religious matters.
“Following movements made by France, Spain, Britain and others, Portugal considers that this will be the most serious basis for a solution,” Rangel told reporters, carefully stopping short of formally recognising Moroccan sovereignty over the region.
Political analysts say the Portuguese position reflects a balancing act. Jose Tomaz Castello Branco, a political science professor at Lisbon’s Catholic University, described the move as “quite diplomatic, reasonable, and opens the door to a future formal recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty.” He added that Portugal’s government appears to be keeping its options open, taking into account both the regional sensitivities and Morocco’s role as a close neighbour and strategic partner.
Portugal’s stance is consistent with a position taken last year by the previous Socialist government, which described the Moroccan proposal as “realistic, serious and credible” during a high-level meeting with Rabat. Rangel’s remarks now reaffirm that approach under the centre-right administration.
France and Spain have both publicly backed Morocco’s plan, with Madrid describing it in 2022 as “the most serious, realistic and credible” solution. The growing support for Morocco’s autonomy framework reflects a broader diplomatic shift among Western nations, many of which are seeking to deepen ties with Rabat on trade, security and energy.
While Portugal has yet to go as far as formal recognition, its latest statement signals clear alignment with key European allies and further strengthens Morocco’s position in the international arena.
