Tensions between Gibraltar and Spain have flared once again, as Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo demands the return of a concrete block taken from the territory’s waters by Spanish politician Javier Ortega Smith in 2014.
The block, part of an artificial reef, is currently displayed at the entrance of the far-right Vox party’s headquarters in Spain.
Ortega Smith, now a Vox deputy and spokesperson in Madrid’s City Council, removed the block from Gibraltar’s waters during an incident he claimed was to protest the placement of obstacles that hindered Spanish fishermen.
The controversial action has been a point of contention ever since, with Picardo asserting that the block belongs to Gibraltar and must be returned.
In a speech marking Gibraltar National Day, Picardo reaffirmed the territory’s unwavering stance on its sovereignty, stating: “We will never surrender any part of our sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control. When one of our sovereign assets has been stolen from our British waters, we will not rest until we recover it, no matter how long it takes.”
Picardo also revealed that the Government of Gibraltar had officially submitted a claim to Spain demanding the block’s return.
“We are going to recover our block,” he insisted, describing the 2014 incident as theft and stating that the block had been unlawfully removed from Gibraltarian waters.
Ortega Smith, however, was quick to respond to Picardo’s remarks.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Vox deputy posted a fiery retort: “Let’s see, pirate Fabian Picardo, if you dare to get it yourself. Come and take it back on your shoulders. Gibraltar is Spanish! Get the pirates out of the Rock!”
The 2014 removal of the block had legal repercussions, with Gibraltar issuing a search and arrest warrant for Ortega Smith at the time.
Although this warrant only holds within Gibraltar’s jurisdiction, the Spanish politician was sentenced in absentia to ten years in prison by Gibraltarian courts.
Despite this, Ortega Smith remains defiant, previously stating that he would take the same action again, claiming Spanish fishermen “have the right to fish in the Bay of Algeciras”.