Feijóo and Sánchez Set for Defense Talks Amid Criticism of Government's Approach
Opposition leader critiques meeting logistics as insufficient for discussing national security concerns.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of Spain's Popular Party (PP), has confirmed a meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez scheduled for Thursday at Moncloa, aimed at addressing pressing international challenges, particularly the situation in Ukraine.
Feijóo has criticized Sánchez for organizing the meeting as a brief engagement, lasting only 20 to 30 minutes, and has likened the treatment to that of Bildu, a regional party in Spain.
Following a gathering with women entrepreneurs in the Balearic Islands to commemorate International Women's Day on March 8, Feijóo expressed his displeasure at the limited duration of the meeting.
He indicated a lack of adequate preparation and clear agenda for a discussion deemed critical for national interests, citing the increasing complexity of Europe’s geopolitical landscape and the necessary investments in defense.
The leader of the PP emphasized that it has been fifteen months since Sánchez last communicated with the primary opposition party, suggesting that this meeting was convened out of necessity rather than desire.
'The peace and security we demand as Europeans require more transparency and decisions that ensure the safety of Spaniards,' Feijóo stated, directly referencing recent agreements between the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and Junts per Catalunya concerning immigration and foreign policy.
Despite his reservations, Feijóo plans to participate in Sánchez's discussions regarding Ukraine but expressed concerns about the adequacy of addressing such a significant topic within a limited timeframe.
He called for a detailed report from Moncloa prior to the meeting to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the agenda, which was announced by Sánchez from Brussels as part of a broader initiative to engage all political groups, excluding Vox.
Sánchez reaffirmed Spain's commitment to increasing military spending in line with NATO obligations during a summit in Brussels, stating the goal of reaching 2% of the country's GDP by 2029. Spain is currently at the lowest position among NATO countries in terms of military expenditure, having allocated only 1.28% of its GDP in 2024.
On a related note, during the event in Palma, Feijóo proposed an extension of maternity leave for self-employed women by two weeks as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at closing the gender gap in the labor market.
He argued that penalizing women who attempt to balance entrepreneurship and family life is counterproductive and non-progressive.
Feijóo criticized the current government’s approach to gender equality, claiming it has failed to protect women despite its vocal advocacy for women's rights.
Feijóo has criticized Sánchez for organizing the meeting as a brief engagement, lasting only 20 to 30 minutes, and has likened the treatment to that of Bildu, a regional party in Spain.
Following a gathering with women entrepreneurs in the Balearic Islands to commemorate International Women's Day on March 8, Feijóo expressed his displeasure at the limited duration of the meeting.
He indicated a lack of adequate preparation and clear agenda for a discussion deemed critical for national interests, citing the increasing complexity of Europe’s geopolitical landscape and the necessary investments in defense.
The leader of the PP emphasized that it has been fifteen months since Sánchez last communicated with the primary opposition party, suggesting that this meeting was convened out of necessity rather than desire.
'The peace and security we demand as Europeans require more transparency and decisions that ensure the safety of Spaniards,' Feijóo stated, directly referencing recent agreements between the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and Junts per Catalunya concerning immigration and foreign policy.
Despite his reservations, Feijóo plans to participate in Sánchez's discussions regarding Ukraine but expressed concerns about the adequacy of addressing such a significant topic within a limited timeframe.
He called for a detailed report from Moncloa prior to the meeting to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the agenda, which was announced by Sánchez from Brussels as part of a broader initiative to engage all political groups, excluding Vox.
Sánchez reaffirmed Spain's commitment to increasing military spending in line with NATO obligations during a summit in Brussels, stating the goal of reaching 2% of the country's GDP by 2029. Spain is currently at the lowest position among NATO countries in terms of military expenditure, having allocated only 1.28% of its GDP in 2024.
On a related note, during the event in Palma, Feijóo proposed an extension of maternity leave for self-employed women by two weeks as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at closing the gender gap in the labor market.
He argued that penalizing women who attempt to balance entrepreneurship and family life is counterproductive and non-progressive.
Feijóo criticized the current government’s approach to gender equality, claiming it has failed to protect women despite its vocal advocacy for women's rights.
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