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Sunday, Mar 30, 2025

Feijóo Challenges Sánchez Amid Calls for Increased Defense Spending

Feijóo Challenges Sánchez Amid Calls for Increased Defense Spending

The leader of the Popular Party criticizes the Prime Minister's lack of support and strategic planning for defense expenditures.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of Spain's Popular Party (PP), has intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as the latter seeks parliamentary support for increasing military spending.

During a debate in Congress, Feijóo pointed out that Sánchez is facing significant isolation, with no backing from his coalition partners for the proposed defense budget increase.

Feijóo's questioning formed a series of pointed inquiries directed at Sánchez, focusing on the specifics of when, how much, and what implications an increase in defense spending would have for the Spanish populace.

Emphasizing the notion of a state pact, the PP leader underscored that collaboration on defense matters is currently unattainable, attributing the fault to Sánchez's governance.

“No, I am not at your orders,” Feijóo stated, insisting that any potential agreement on defense must be established prior to any increase in military budget.

He further expressed skepticism about unilateral government proposals, suggesting that without proper legislative dialogue, the defense spending increase would be treated as a superficial gesture.

Feijóo has demanded that Sánchez present the General State Budget for debate in the lower house and also submit to discussions regarding the state of the nation.

He warned that failure to do so could lead to general elections, declaring, "Either you submit to the Cortes, or to the polls."

In his remarks, Feijóo urged Sánchez to clarify how Spain intends to fulfill its NATO commitments, especially in light of dissent within his government regarding defense policies.

He noted recent parliamentary attendance by the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Yolanda Díaz, which he claimed highlighted the lack of enthusiasm and support within Sánchez's coalition.

Feijóo also criticized the Prime Minister's delay in addressing the parliamentary body about the political situation while accusing Sánchez of failing to disclose any concrete defense plan during discussions.

He emphasized the necessity for transparency with the public, stating that it is critical to acknowledge the geopolitical threats facing Europe which necessitate a reassessment of defense budgets.

In his closing remarks, Feijóo articulated a demand for Sánchez to validate his defense plan in Congress while maintaining that the PP would not act as a safety net for a government that fails to secure its own alliances.

Additionally, he accused Sánchez of misleading both the European Union and NATO, suggesting that the Prime Minister's approach to military support for Ukraine lacks substance and that his energy policies reflect a misguided reliance on foreign alliances.
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