In a recent revelation, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged that he will "probably not" take the proposed military spending increase to Congress, marking a notable admission amidst ongoing discussions on national defense strategy.

This statement was made in response to a direct inquiry from BNG spokesperson Néstor Rego, who has been vocal about the government’s military expenditure intentions.

After meeting with Sánchez, ERC parliamentary spokesperson Gabriel Rufian expressed skepticism about the government’s commitment to bring defense budget increments before the lower house.

Rufian underscored that ERC is opposed to any spending increase without substantial justification, emphasizing the need for optimizing current expenditure rather than increasing it.

He articulated a concern that simply raising military spending to reduce dependence on the United States could result in continued reliance on purchasing military hardware from American firms, contradicting the goal of self-sufficiency.

Rufian's comments reiterated a broader sentiment of responsibility in the face of current geopolitical tensions, advocating for better coordination in defense rather than an expansion of military budgets.

Junts spokesperson Miriam Nogueras described her meeting with Sánchez as informative but noted a lack of concrete plans regarding military budget increases.

The party has called for maximum transparency and is inclined to explore funding routes that would avoid legislative debate, suggesting that the matter is still in its early stages.

Ione Belarra, Secretary General of Podemos, attended her meeting with Sánchez clad in a "No to War" t-shirt, invoking a strong stance against the government’s military spending strategy.

She characterized the current trajectory as a "catastrophic error" that could empower right-wing factions within the government and suggested it undermines public social policies, which she considers fundamental to the welfare state.

Belarra indicated Podemos would oppose any increase in military expenditure and the deployment of Spanish troops abroad in peacekeeping missions.

Belarra articulated that the current military-oriented policy could lead to cuts in social programs vital for future generations, stating her party’s intent to apply pressure for a policy shift, despite not specifying the nature of future actions.

The financial implications of a proposed increment have not been clarified by Sánchez.

Belarra expressed a prevailing impression among opposition leaders that Sánchez lacks the intention to bring any increase to a vote in Congress, further complicating coalition dynamics.

Aitor Esteban, spokesperson for the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), indicated alignment with Sánchez regarding European security measures and military spending.

Esteban cited an urgent requirement for a unified European response to changing global dynamics, although he acknowledged the need for a common stance from the European Union before specific measures are confirmed.

In a significant political development, Sánchez held a meeting with EH Bildu representatives, marking the first such engagement for the party in Moncloa's history.

This invitation reflects a shift in the government's approach to engaging with various political groups within Spain's parliamentary landscape.

The meeting followed numerous past encounters to solicit support for Sánchez's investiture but underscored a growing reliance on EH Bildu's parliamentary support.

The meeting's attendees included Mertxe Aizpurua from EH Bildu, who has a controversial past but has been a crucial ally for Sánchez's administration, particularly in navigating the complexities of coalition governance in the current political landscape.