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Monday, Mar 17, 2025

Congress Demands Accountability from Spanish President Over Defense Spending

Congress Demands Accountability from Spanish President Over Defense Spending

Political parties in Spain push for parliamentary debate on defense budget amid tensions within the government.
Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Spanish government, faces increasing pressure from opposition parties seeking to address the issue of defense expenditure in Congress.

Following a meeting at La Moncloa, it became apparent that Sánchez intends to minimize parliamentary involvement in the approval of any increase in defense spending, relying instead on executive mechanisms to facilitate financial decisions.

In a press appearance, Sánchez confirmed that only matters legally required to be submitted to Congress would undergo parliamentary oversight.

Opposition leaders have expressed strong intentions to ensure a comprehensive debate on the topic, with discussions set to dominate the parliamentary agenda.

The debate will precede a significant appearance by Sánchez on March 26, where he is expected to outline the new geopolitical context within the European Union and discuss outcomes from the forthcoming European Council meeting scheduled for March 20-21.

The Popular Party (PP), the primary opposition party, aims to establish clarity on the differences between Sánchez and his coalition partners regarding military investment, seeking to categorize parliamentary support prior to Sánchez’s trip to Brussels.

On the agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session, the PP plans to bring forth a non-binding resolution to reaffirm commitment to increased defense spending.

Furthermore, during questioning by opposition leaders, Sánchez will address issues spanning defense policy, as well as migration policies raised by Santiago Abascal, leader of Vox, and matters concerning Catalonia highlighted by Gabriel Rufían, spokesperson for ERC.

In extended discussions, Margarita Robles, the Minister of Defense, is anticipated to provide insight into government plans and the military's new programming.

Apart from defense discussions, the upcoming session will also touch on various topics, such as the Rodalíes railway service, rebuilding efforts post-Dana, and developments concerning U.S. President Donald Trump's plans for Gaza.

Additionally, a parliamentary proposal from the Socialist group to reduce the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers from the current 0.5 grams per liter to 0.2 grams will be initiated.

Simultaneously, the Senate is scheduled for a brief plenary session, reversing the usual order by addressing an initiative and several motions before the customary government oversight.

On Tuesday morning, a proposition by the PP concerning new land-use legislation and housing crisis solutions will be debated, followed by discussions on immigration, gender-based violence, and the Xacobeo anniversary, before the ministers respond to questions in the afternoon.

Furthermore, investigative sessions will address the "Koldo" case and the management of the CIS, along with key appearances by Sara Aagesen, the third vice president, during discussions on depopulation, and Mercedes González, the director of the Civil Guard, in the Interior Commission.
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