In a recent session of the Congress of Deputies, Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, presented the government's commitment to increase military spending in line with NATO's target of achieving 2% of GDP for defense.

However, during the session, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the opposition and head of the People's Party (PP), criticized Sánchez for failing to provide specifics about how and when this increase would be implemented.

Feijóo contended that Sánchez’s presentation lacked a clear plan, stating, "You take us Spaniards for fools, and we are not fools."

Feijóo's remarks highlighted the absence of a detailed strategy from the government regarding military spending, especially as other European leaders have articulated their defense policies in response to global security challenges.

He questioned the Prime Minister's commitment to European defense and autonomy in the face of geopolitical tensions involving Russia, China, and the United States.

"You define yourself as a Europeanist, willing to propose a common defense industry or a unified army, yet you do not disclose your roadmap to us," Feijóo stated, expressing frustration over the perceived lack of legislative transparency.

Throughout his nearly fifty-minute address, Sánchez reiterated the commitment to the NATO defense spending requirement but did not specify a timeline or outline the funding mechanisms, drawing further ire from Feijóo, who stated, "You have no budgets, no majority, no plan.

You will have to choose: submit to Congress or go to the polls.

Those are the only dignified exits left...

and you will choose neither."

Feijóo also noted the lukewarm support for Sánchez from coalition partners, referring to the tepid applause received from members of Sumar, and criticized the government for relying on euphemisms regarding military rearmament, claiming that a robust defense posture is essential for protecting democratic values.

In his comments, Feijóo stated, "Material and moral rearmament is not a warlike proposition.

It's about defending our values and way of life."

On the topic of international relations, Feijóo took a clear stance, affirming that the responsibility for the invasion of Ukraine lies solely with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while indicating the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with the United States without falling into submission.

In a pointed exchange, Feijóo addressed members of the Vox party, affirming that his international preferences would always be aligned with Spain's interests.

He lambasted Sánchez for what he described as an inherent contradiction in simultaneously advocating for European security while ceding aspects of national sovereignty related to regional independence movements.

During the subsequent rebuttal, Sánchez defended his government against Feijóo's allegations, calling attention to the latter’s failure to articulate a coherent alternative during his leadership of the PP. Sánchez emphasized the continued need for collaboration across party lines for national security initiatives and criticized the opposition’s lack of constructive engagement.

The session culminated in direct challenges regarding the government’s ability to gain parliamentary support for its budget plans, with Feijóo underscoring the need for a capable government that can address pressing issues of national defense and internal security.

His remarks underscored a growing tension between the governing coalition and the opposition over defense policy and governance accountability.