Spain's Defence Spending Increase Advocated by Sánchez
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasizes the need for enhanced defense budgets to safeguard Europe and address hybrid threats.
Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, has advocated for an increase in defense spending, asserting the necessity of taking decisive steps to protect Europe independently.
Addressing the closing remarks at the PSOE Congress in Cantabria, where Pedro Casares was elected as the new regional secretary, Sánchez emphasized that enhancement of the defense budget would not compromise social welfare but would actually support increased security expenditure.
Sánchez articulated that Europe must take responsibility for its own defense, asserting that the future of Europe resides within its own hands, rather than in the hands of those who may seek to undermine it.
He later reiterated these sentiments in Zaragoza during the close of the Aragonese socialists' congress, where he lent support to Education Minister Pilar Alegría, newly appointed as the regional party's general secretary.
Notably, Sánchez acknowledged that while Spain does not face a direct physical threat from Russia, the potential for hybrid attacks necessitates improved cybersecurity measures and a technological leap for strategic autonomy.
He characterized the increase in defense spending as a gesture of solidarity with Northern and Eastern European nations facing direct threats from Russia, paralleling the EU's financial support to Spain during the pandemic.
He reminded attendees that the commitment to allocate 2% of GDP to defense was initially established by former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in 2014, expressing determination to meet this target despite previous budget allocations falling short.
Sánchez underscored that the current situation extends beyond mere military conflict and towards the preservation of a multilateral order grounded in the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
He affirmed Spain's solidarity with Ukraine, supporting its sovereignty and encouraging its aspirations for EU membership, asserting that peace should not reward aggressors.
Responding to the prospect of new tariffs from the United States, Sánchez called for a united European response, labeling the onset of trade wars initiated during Trump’s presidency as misguided.
He positioned Europe as the leading global commercial bloc and affirmed that a unified stance would strengthen the continent in the event of trade conflicts.
Moreover, Sánchez accused the opposition PP and Vox parties of being silent in the face of Trump's policies, criticizing them for their perceived alignment with the powerful while being stringent against the vulnerable.
He described the PP as a party unduly influenced by the far right.
The Prime Minister criticized the opposition for its voting record against financial proposals affecting public services, urging the PP, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, to clarify its stance on public service funding cuts.
He lamented previous tenure under the PP, which saw reductions in social and defense budgets.
In addressing the congresses, Sánchez requested that the PP leadership in Cantabria and Aragon implement the new housing law, which he claims has successfully curbed rent increases in regions like Catalonia and should be adopted elsewhere in Spain.
Highlighting the progress made, Sánchez pointed to a 120 billion euro increase in social spending, 10 billion for defense, and over 20 billion for ecological transition initiatives since taking office.
He conveyed a commitment to continue the government’s efforts leading into the upcoming municipal and general elections in 2027.
Addressing the closing remarks at the PSOE Congress in Cantabria, where Pedro Casares was elected as the new regional secretary, Sánchez emphasized that enhancement of the defense budget would not compromise social welfare but would actually support increased security expenditure.
Sánchez articulated that Europe must take responsibility for its own defense, asserting that the future of Europe resides within its own hands, rather than in the hands of those who may seek to undermine it.
He later reiterated these sentiments in Zaragoza during the close of the Aragonese socialists' congress, where he lent support to Education Minister Pilar Alegría, newly appointed as the regional party's general secretary.
Notably, Sánchez acknowledged that while Spain does not face a direct physical threat from Russia, the potential for hybrid attacks necessitates improved cybersecurity measures and a technological leap for strategic autonomy.
He characterized the increase in defense spending as a gesture of solidarity with Northern and Eastern European nations facing direct threats from Russia, paralleling the EU's financial support to Spain during the pandemic.
He reminded attendees that the commitment to allocate 2% of GDP to defense was initially established by former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in 2014, expressing determination to meet this target despite previous budget allocations falling short.
Sánchez underscored that the current situation extends beyond mere military conflict and towards the preservation of a multilateral order grounded in the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
He affirmed Spain's solidarity with Ukraine, supporting its sovereignty and encouraging its aspirations for EU membership, asserting that peace should not reward aggressors.
Responding to the prospect of new tariffs from the United States, Sánchez called for a united European response, labeling the onset of trade wars initiated during Trump’s presidency as misguided.
He positioned Europe as the leading global commercial bloc and affirmed that a unified stance would strengthen the continent in the event of trade conflicts.
Moreover, Sánchez accused the opposition PP and Vox parties of being silent in the face of Trump's policies, criticizing them for their perceived alignment with the powerful while being stringent against the vulnerable.
He described the PP as a party unduly influenced by the far right.
The Prime Minister criticized the opposition for its voting record against financial proposals affecting public services, urging the PP, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, to clarify its stance on public service funding cuts.
He lamented previous tenure under the PP, which saw reductions in social and defense budgets.
In addressing the congresses, Sánchez requested that the PP leadership in Cantabria and Aragon implement the new housing law, which he claims has successfully curbed rent increases in regions like Catalonia and should be adopted elsewhere in Spain.
Highlighting the progress made, Sánchez pointed to a 120 billion euro increase in social spending, 10 billion for defense, and over 20 billion for ecological transition initiatives since taking office.
He conveyed a commitment to continue the government’s efforts leading into the upcoming municipal and general elections in 2027.
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