Spanish Government Activates Economic Shield Against Trade Tariffs
Pedro Sánchez appoints Carlos Cuerpo to lead negotiations amid tariff threats, sidelining María Jesús Montero.
The Spanish government has initiated an economic 'shield' in response to potential trade tariffs announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, allocating €14.1 billion to sectors most likely to be affected.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened a crisis committee at the Moncloa Palace, comprising key government ministers: Second Vice President and Minister of Labor and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz; Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Jordi Hereu; Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas; and Minister of Economy, Commerce, and Enterprises, Carlos Cuerpo.
Notably, the First Vice President of the Government, María Jesús Montero, was initially excluded from this group.
She later attended a meeting with social stakeholders, including the CEOs of employer organizations and unions, alongside José Manuel Albares, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The decision reflects Sánchez's preference for Cuerpo to lead the current trade crisis.
Cuerpo is tasked with convening an 'immediate' sectoral conference on trade to engage with regional ministers throughout the ongoing conflict.
He will also contact parliamentary groups to discuss various measures being implemented in response to the tariff threats.
Additionally, Cuerpo is expected to appear before the Congress of Deputies to report on this plan.
The role of Cuerpo stands in contrast to Montero's decreasing influence within the government, particularly following a recent controversy regarding her comments about the presumption of innocence, a fundamental principle of the rule of law.
Her remarks led to significant internal unrest, prompting calls for a retraction that she delayed despite initial resistance.
Montero also faced setbacks in her position regarding the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI), where she was overruled by Sánchez in favor of Díaz.
Reports indicate that Montero's profile within the party is increasingly questioned, showing signs of wear amid her extensive responsibilities, which include serving as the First Vice President, Minister of Finance, Deputy General Secretary of the PSOE, General Secretary of the Andalusian Socialists, and candidate for the Junta de Andalucía in upcoming elections.
Internal voices have begun expressing concern that her numerous commitments are becoming unsustainable.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened a crisis committee at the Moncloa Palace, comprising key government ministers: Second Vice President and Minister of Labor and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz; Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Jordi Hereu; Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas; and Minister of Economy, Commerce, and Enterprises, Carlos Cuerpo.
Notably, the First Vice President of the Government, María Jesús Montero, was initially excluded from this group.
She later attended a meeting with social stakeholders, including the CEOs of employer organizations and unions, alongside José Manuel Albares, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The decision reflects Sánchez's preference for Cuerpo to lead the current trade crisis.
Cuerpo is tasked with convening an 'immediate' sectoral conference on trade to engage with regional ministers throughout the ongoing conflict.
He will also contact parliamentary groups to discuss various measures being implemented in response to the tariff threats.
Additionally, Cuerpo is expected to appear before the Congress of Deputies to report on this plan.
The role of Cuerpo stands in contrast to Montero's decreasing influence within the government, particularly following a recent controversy regarding her comments about the presumption of innocence, a fundamental principle of the rule of law.
Her remarks led to significant internal unrest, prompting calls for a retraction that she delayed despite initial resistance.
Montero also faced setbacks in her position regarding the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI), where she was overruled by Sánchez in favor of Díaz.
Reports indicate that Montero's profile within the party is increasingly questioned, showing signs of wear amid her extensive responsibilities, which include serving as the First Vice President, Minister of Finance, Deputy General Secretary of the PSOE, General Secretary of the Andalusian Socialists, and candidate for the Junta de Andalucía in upcoming elections.
Internal voices have begun expressing concern that her numerous commitments are becoming unsustainable.
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