Burgos, Spain – A recent interview with retired General Fernando Alejandre, former head of Spain’s Defense Staff (JEMAD), has sparked debate not for what was discussed, but for what was conspicuously avoided: a direct inquiry into a previously revealed plan to potentially deploy the military to suppress the Catalan independence movement. The interview, published by ABC on March 29, 2026, largely focused on perceived threats from Morocco and criticisms of the current Spanish government’s foreign policy, but sidestepped a significant element of Alejandre’s own past.
Alejandre, who served as JEMAD under both Dolores de Cospedal and Margarita Robles, offered pointed commentary on the state of Spain’s defense posture. He expressed concern over what he described as a “certain and clear threat from Morocco,” referencing historical tensions over territories like Ceuta and Melilla. According to Alejandre, the international community’s lack of response during the 2002 Perejil Island incident sets a concerning precedent. He suggested a similar lack of intervention could occur if Morocco were to attempt to claim Ceuta and Melilla through invasive means, placing the blame on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for straining relations with NATO and, implicitly, underfunding the armed forces.
However, the interview’s omissions have drawn criticism, particularly from Catalan media outlets. Ara newspaper highlighted the lack of questioning regarding a discreet plan Alejandre detailed in his memoir, Rey servido y patria honrada (King Served and Country Honored). This plan, revealed in the book, outlined the possibility of mobilizing the army to quell separatism in Catalonia following the October 1, 2017 independence referendum. The Spanish government at the time stated it was unaware of the plan’s existence, but deemed it “very serious” and “unacceptable” had it been in effect.
The decision not to address this sensitive topic during the ABC interview has raised questions about the framing of the conversation. Ara suggests a clear bias, noting that a “resentment against Sánchez” permeated the entire discussion, potentially influencing the selection of questions. The outlet pointedly asks whether the public disqualification of the plan didn’t warrant a question, and whether the context is relevant for readers to assess Alejandre’s current statements. The interview, presents a selective narrative, focusing on current geopolitical concerns while avoiding a potentially damaging line of inquiry into the former JEMAD’s past actions and perspectives.
Alejandre’s tenure as JEMAD was not without internal controversy. Under his command, several hundred military personnel – a mix of active and retired soldiers – signed a manifesto defending the legacy of the Franco regime following the announcement of his exhumation. This incident, also not addressed in the ABC interview, further underscores the complex political landscape within the Spanish military during his leadership.
The broader context of Alejandre’s dismissal from his post after the formation of a government including Podemos is also significant. The abrupt nature of his removal has fueled speculation about potential disagreements with the new administration’s defense policies. While the interview allows Alejandre to express his views with “total freedom,” as he described it, the selective questioning raises concerns about whether a complete and unbiased picture of his perspective is being presented to the public.
The focus on the Moroccan threat, while a legitimate security concern, may serve to deflect attention from internal issues and past controversies. Alejandre’s warning about Morocco echoes historical anxieties about territorial integrity, particularly concerning Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish enclaves on the North African coast. He argues that the lack of international response to the Perejil Island incident demonstrates a vulnerability that could be exploited again. However, critics argue that framing the issue solely as a Moroccan threat overlooks the internal political dynamics that have shaped Spain’s security policies.
The interview also touched upon the government’s stance on the war in Iran, with Alejandre expressing his disappointment with the “No to War” position adopted by Prime Minister Sánchez. As a self-described “Atlantist,” Alejandre believes in the importance of the Western alliance and criticized what he perceived as a populist gesture that undermined Spain’s credibility on the international stage. This critique aligns with a broader narrative of dissatisfaction among some within the Spanish military establishment regarding the current government’s foreign policy direction.
the interview with General Fernando Alejandre offers a glimpse into the perspectives of a former high-ranking military official, but its selective nature raises questions about its completeness and objectivity. The omission of a direct inquiry into the Catalan separatism plan, coupled with the focus on criticisms of the current government, suggests a deliberate framing of the narrative. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the military and the civilian government in Spain, and the challenges of navigating sensitive political issues within a democratic framework.
The next scheduled public appearance for General Alejandre is currently unconfirmed. However, he is expected to participate in a closed-door defense forum in Madrid next month, where further discussion of Spain’s security challenges is anticipated. Readers interested in following this developing story can find updates on the websites of ABC and Ara, as well as through official government statements.
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