Picardo made the comments as a post-Brexit agreement on border checks and transit stalls. (Image: Getty) The leader of Gibraltar said he is saddened by the dogmatism which prevents the creation of shared prosperity with Spain , as a post- Brexit deal potentially bringing free movement between them stalls. In an interview with Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia picked up by Europa Press, Gibraltar 's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said " Spain is an opportunity, but also a disappointment" as he fired back at right-wing figures in Spain who continue to push long-standing territorial claims.
He also fired back at common accusations thrown at Gibraltar , insisting: "We are not smugglers and Gibraltar is not a tax haven," insisting that the peninsula complies with the obligations of financial transparency. Asked if the question of sovereignty is a barrier to reaching an agreement with Spain to regulate Gibraltar 's relationship with the EU after Brexit , Picardo said the talks go beyond that, and said he regretted that "the Spanish right and far-right maintain the spirit of the reconquest of Gibraltar ". Though Gibraltar's formal international relations and defense are the responsibility of the Government of the United Kingdom, it is self-governing in all other matters.
READ MORE: UEFA breaks silence after 'rancid' chants on Gibraltar by Spain's footballers Gibraltar has full internal self-government. (Image: Getty) Picardo said the territory's location at the entrance to the Mediterr.