On the same morning that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the need to accelerate defense spending during a congressional session, hundreds of cultural figures and peace activists gathered outside the Parliament to express their opposition to Europe's military buildup.

Activists stated, "The rearmament of Europe will not bring peace; it will not contribute to détente but will instead bring us closer to war." The manifesto, read by actors Carolina Yuste and Juan Diego Botto on the steps of the Chamber of Deputies, was supported by numerous personalities from Spanish cinema, literature, and music, including Alberto San Juan, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Javier Bardem, and Rozalén, among many others, and was coordinated by Aipaz and the Centre Delàs d’Estudis per la Pau.

The manifesto raises critical questions regarding the urgent and substantial military spending proposed by European governments, emphasizing the lack of public debate and transparency surrounding these decisions.

Protesters displayed signs reading "No to war" and "No to rearmament," further reflecting the sentiments articulated in the manifesto.

Sánchez reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to meeting NATO's requirements of allocating 2% of GDP to defense by 2029, a demand echoed by European allies.

In his address, he urged Europe to "overcome the blocking melancholy" and adapt to current realities.

The manifesto countered this perspective, questioning how increased military spending would improve essential services such as education, healthcare, housing, cultural stability, environmental harmony, or international solidarity.

The protest emphasized a belief that the militaristic context carries implications for social rights and can foster conditions conducive to repression and authoritarianism.

The activists conveyed the need for investments that prioritize quality public healthcare and education, affordable housing for youth, pensions for the elderly, and the protection of children from the horrors of war.

In Congress, Sánchez defended his position by stating that increased defense and security spending would not compromise the welfare state, asserting, "When done correctly, greater investment in security protects the social model rather than diminishing it." Activists challenged this viewpoint, advocating for political and diplomatic efforts focused on dialogue rather than military escalation.

The manifesto articulated concerns regarding the allocation of public finances, urging a redirection of funds away from military investments towards essential social services.

Signatories expressed that they would not accept the notion of reallocating resources from hospitals, schools, and social support systems to military expenditures.

The document concluded with a declaration that military solutions do not yield lasting peace but political resolutions do.

This sentiment was echoed by various academics and journalists who supported the manifesto.

Within the parliament, Sánchez faced increasing pressure from leftist allies, including Sumar, ERC, and Bildu, who challenged him on defense policy, calling for serious discussions about Spain’s relationship with NATO and opposing plans for military expenditure increases.

During the debate, the spokesperson for Sumar, Verónica Martínez Barbero, criticized the notion that more military spending equates to more security and called for a reconsideration of priorities in light of complex threats facing Europe.

Martínez argued that a security strategy centered solely on militarization is ineffective and undermines democratic foundations.

She urged a fundamental shift in European security strategy, suggesting that Europe should prioritize cooperative efforts and equitable policies rather than escalating military budgets.

As Sánchez's defense budget plans continue to stir public and political dissent, leftist politicians emphasized the need for a re-evaluation of Spain's military commitments and a shift towards addressing social inequalities through diplomatic measures rather than military buildups.

Proponents of this perspective expressed concerns regarding increasing military expenditure and its potential consequences for social welfare programs.