Spain's Defense Spending Debate: Sánchez Addresses Congress Amid Tactical Moves
President Pedro Sánchez outlines defense spending strategy while engaging with parliamentary groups but avoids commitment to a vote.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has refrained from committing to a parliamentary vote on increasing defense spending, emphasizing that any necessary issues will be addressed within governmental management.
During a press conference at the Palace of Moncloa, he stated, "Whatever needs to go through Parliament will go, and other matters that relate to government management will have to be expedited by the GOVERNMENT OF SPAIN."
When pressed for clarification on the timeline for reaching the NATO-recommended defense spending target of 2% of GDP, Sánchez indicated that specific budgetary figures were yet to be determined, citing the need for a clearer understanding of Spain's defense budget according to NATO metrics.
As of 2023, this budget was registered at 1.28% of GDP, but the figure for 2024 remains undisclosed.
Sánchez assured that the planned increase in military spending would not result in any cuts to social expenditure.
Concerning the State General Budgets for 2025, he expressed determination to pass them, noting the process is not solely dependent on the government, as discussions continue within the coalition and with parliamentary groups to finalize the budgets in the upcoming months.
In an appeal directed at startups, entrepreneurs, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), Sánchez urged them to engage in technological development pivotal for Spain's defense industry.
He stated, "This is a moment for startups, technological entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises, alongside large corporations tied to our traditional defense industry, to step up and help Spain make the necessary technological leap."
Highlighting lessons learned from global security dynamics, Sánchez remarked on Europe's historical reliance on external entities for defense and security.
He called for collective investment in technology and industry to bolster the European Union's defense capabilities.
Sánchez's meetings began with a face-to-face dialogue with the leader of the People's Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo. This encounter marked their first direct discussion since December 2023, during which Feijóo expressed dissatisfaction, claiming Sánchez provided "zero information" on military expenditure.
The PP leader remarked, "I appreciate the coffee, but this could have been resolved with a hallway conversation."
In response, the government, represented by Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, countered Feijóo's criticisms, emphasizing that he had already been provided with all necessary information regarding military rearmament.
Sánchez subsequently held discussions with leaders from various parties, including Gabriel Rufián (ERC), Míriam Nogueras (Junts), Mertxe Aizpurua (EH Bildu), Aitor Esteban (PNV), Ione Belarra (Podemos), Néstor Rego (BNG), Cristina Valido (CC), and Alberto Catalán (UPN).
During a press conference at the Palace of Moncloa, he stated, "Whatever needs to go through Parliament will go, and other matters that relate to government management will have to be expedited by the GOVERNMENT OF SPAIN."
When pressed for clarification on the timeline for reaching the NATO-recommended defense spending target of 2% of GDP, Sánchez indicated that specific budgetary figures were yet to be determined, citing the need for a clearer understanding of Spain's defense budget according to NATO metrics.
As of 2023, this budget was registered at 1.28% of GDP, but the figure for 2024 remains undisclosed.
Sánchez assured that the planned increase in military spending would not result in any cuts to social expenditure.
Concerning the State General Budgets for 2025, he expressed determination to pass them, noting the process is not solely dependent on the government, as discussions continue within the coalition and with parliamentary groups to finalize the budgets in the upcoming months.
In an appeal directed at startups, entrepreneurs, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), Sánchez urged them to engage in technological development pivotal for Spain's defense industry.
He stated, "This is a moment for startups, technological entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises, alongside large corporations tied to our traditional defense industry, to step up and help Spain make the necessary technological leap."
Highlighting lessons learned from global security dynamics, Sánchez remarked on Europe's historical reliance on external entities for defense and security.
He called for collective investment in technology and industry to bolster the European Union's defense capabilities.
Sánchez's meetings began with a face-to-face dialogue with the leader of the People's Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo. This encounter marked their first direct discussion since December 2023, during which Feijóo expressed dissatisfaction, claiming Sánchez provided "zero information" on military expenditure.
The PP leader remarked, "I appreciate the coffee, but this could have been resolved with a hallway conversation."
In response, the government, represented by Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, countered Feijóo's criticisms, emphasizing that he had already been provided with all necessary information regarding military rearmament.
Sánchez subsequently held discussions with leaders from various parties, including Gabriel Rufián (ERC), Míriam Nogueras (Junts), Mertxe Aizpurua (EH Bildu), Aitor Esteban (PNV), Ione Belarra (Podemos), Néstor Rego (BNG), Cristina Valido (CC), and Alberto Catalán (UPN).
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Translated by AI
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