On June 7, 2025, approximately 3,000 demonstrators rallied in Madrid, voicing opposition to the rising military budget in Spain, which is projected to reach 5% of the country's GDP. The protest was organized by the Assembly of Madrid Against Rearmament and Militarization, comprising various associations, labor unions, and political parties.

Key political figures from the left, including leaders from the parties Sumar, Podemos, and Izquierda Unida, participated and emphasized the need for the government to redirect military funding towards social initiatives instead.

Enrique Santiago, spokesperson for Izquierda Unida, stated that staying in a government supporting such a drastic rearmament is increasingly untenable.

The protestors argued that the new NATO spending goals would be funded primarily by cuts to social programs.

Reverend Javier Baeza, representing local church interests, articulated concerns regarding the potential impacts of military financing on social services, questioning the government’s prioritization of military hardware over essential community needs such as education and healthcare.

Irene Montero, the Secretary-General of Podemos, criticized the government's military expenditure plans, labeling them a betrayal of public trust.

She highlighted that the recent hike in defense spending—by almost €10.5 billion—is already resulting in reductions in educational funding, with reports indicating a decrease of around €1 billion allocated to education.

The government aims to increase defense spending to meet NATO's benchmark of 2% GDP by the end of the year, with plans suggesting an acceleration of budget transfers between ministries, creating new financial allocations, and circumventing traditional parliamentary approval processes.

The Ministry of Defence is projected to receive an increase of €4 billion, while the Ministry of Industry will also see substantial growth in its budget.

In the lead-up to the protests, the Spanish government has faced mounting pressure from various sectors, including its own coalition partners, to clarify its position on financial commitments to military expenditures versus social welfare.

Critics have drawn attention to the potential fallout from these spending patterns, particularly as cuts to educational and healthcare budgets come into play as the government reallocates resources.

The continued mobilization against military spending reflects a pivotal moment in Spanish politics, setting the stage for forthcoming debates as the government navigates its commitments to NATO alongside escalating internal dissent regarding financial allocations.