Morocco has been the target of a coordinated disinformation campaign aiming to manipulate public opinion in Spain and Europe by falsely accusing Morocco of undermining the Spanish agricultural sector, according to a recent investigation by Spanish fact-checking website Maldita,
The analysis revealed a sophisticated strategy that exploited legitimate concerns within the Spanish agricultural industry, such as environmental regulations, competition from renewable energy projects, and trade competition with other countries.
These legitimate concerns were then twisted and amplified to create a narrative of deliberate sabotage by Morocco.
The report exposed how the campaign falsely linked European environmental policies to the decline of Spanish agriculture, claiming these policies were intentionally designed to benefit Morocco.
The campaign also accused Morocco of unfair trade practices, such as lower production costs and weaker health regulations, to gain an unfair advantage in the European market.
The investigation found that the intensity of the disinformation campaign increased significantly before the European elections, suggesting an attempt to influence voter behavior.
The report pointed to potential involvement from agricultural lobby groups seeking to leverage these narratives to secure financial support or subsidies for themselves.
The report cited specific examples of disinformation, such as the false claim that the Spanish government provided significant funding to Morocco for organic olive cultivation.
It also addressed the spread of misinformation following health alerts regarding strawberries from Morocco, which were falsely linked to widespread contamination and health risks.
These health alerts, while concerning, were presented in a misleading way to create fear and distrust towards Moroccan products.
The analysis debunked the claim that Moroccan products are subject to lower health standards than those produced within the European Union.
The report emphasized that imported products undergo the same rigorous health checks as those grown domestically, ensuring consumer safety.
The report concluded by highlighting the significant reach of these disinformation messages, with some posts garnering millions of views. It also addressed the circulation of conspiracy theories, such as claims that Morocco manipulated weather patterns to damage Spanish agriculture. These outlandish claims, while lacking any scientific basis, gained traction and contributed to the overall negative portrayal of Morocco.
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