Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Popular Party (PP) in Spain, has acknowledged the urgent need for a state defense pact in light of increasing international tensions.

Despite this recognition, he has openly rejected the possibility of supporting the current coalition government, citing significant concerns about its composition.

Feijóo pointed to the left-wing coalition partner Sumar's opposition to Spain's NATO membership and accused the Socialist Party (PSOE) of compromising border control in Catalonia to appease separatists from the Junts party as major obstacles to bipartisan collaboration on defense matters.

During a fifteen-minute address, Feijóo articulated the PP's dedication to a sense of state, contrasting it with what he described as a government lacking a budget and parliamentary majority.

He argued that the government should either submit the proposed increase in defense budget, as mandated by European commitments, to a parliamentary vote or call for new elections, given the gravity of the geopolitical context.

Feijóo criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, labeling him as the 'champion of decay and decomposition' and suggested that Sánchez would not pursue a viable path forward due to insufficient support in the legislature.

The PP leader asserted that the government’s failure left it unable to count on the opposition's assistance at a time when it seemed most needed.

In discussing defense strategies, Feijóo accused Sánchez of attempting to mislead both the European Union and NATO.

He highlighted perceived discrepancies in the government's stance toward the United States under Donald Trump's administration and Spain's purported support for Ukraine against Russia, suggesting a lack of clear communication about the real international risks facing Spain.

Throughout his speech, Feijóo demanded transparency regarding the government’s defense spending plans, including details on financial investments, the budgetary instruments utilized, and Spain's role in supporting Ukraine as part of a coalition of voluntary countries.

He claimed to have received more pertinent information regarding defense matters from European political allies than from Sánchez, highlighting a perceived lack of engagement by the Prime Minister in discussions with all parliamentary forces, notably excluding Vox.

Furthermore, Feijóo addressed the far-right Vox party, criticizing its prioritization of international sympathies over Spain’s national interests, particularly emphasizing their ties with the Trump administration.

In a rebuttal to Sánchez, Feijóo expressed frustration over the amount of time the Prime Minister allotted to countering his arguments, noting that he had only five minutes to address the public.

The opposition leader reiterated his pressing questions about how, when, and to what extent Spain would increase its defense expenditure to meet European commitments.

Feijóo characterized Sánchez's presidency as unstable, referencing a divided cabinet and a lack of parliamentary support, suggesting he was not adequately equipped to lead at this critical juncture in global affairs.

He concluded with a call for accountability from the government before Parliament amid changing international dynamics.