The Spanish government announced on Tuesday its approval of a €2.084 billion allocation for defense spending in a Council of Ministers meeting.

This decision comes alongside a Royal Decree aimed at countering tariffs imposed by the United States on Spanish imports.

The budget for military expenditures was facilitated through a credit transfer, as confirmed by government spokesperson Pilar Alegría.

Alegría stated, "This matter was approved in the Committee of Secretaries of State" and emphasized that the funding is for contracts and programs already underway.

With the current budget being a continuation from previous years, the administration opted for this financial mechanism, which mirrors the approach taken in 2024. The €2.084 billion will be directed towards the modernization, maintenance, enhancement of personnel, and infrastructure within the Ministry of Defense.

The spokesperson also reiterated the government's commitment to reach spending of 2% of GDP on defense, affirming the intention to achieve this goal expediently, although specific timelines remain undisclosed.

Alegría noted that upon assuming office, defense spending was at 0.9% of GDP, and the government has gradually invested €10 billion annually to increase it to 1.2% of GDP, with final figures for 2024 yet to be confirmed.

Mónica García, the Minister of Health representing the coalition partner Sumar, was asked about the agreement on military spending and whether there had been internal debates within the coalition.

She responded by asserting that these are "long-standing commitments in defense," echoing sentiments expressed by Minister of Finance María Jesús Montero a day earlier.

García acknowledged the presence of "healthy disagreements" within the government and mentioned the observations presented by Sumar regarding the defense expenditure.

García emphasized the necessity for a broader strategic autonomy that extends beyond military spending, advocating for an expanded concept of defense that includes sectors like healthcare.

Since the announcement of the need to increase defense spending, Sumar has consistently expressed opposition.

Coalition members had previously warned that any proposal for military rearmament brought before Congress would be met with resistance.

Deputy Gerardo Pisarello, representing Sumar and association Catalunya en Comú, had cautioned earlier on Tuesday that the government should not present any rearmament plans to Congress, underlining the coalition's apprehension about military funding.

In a recent statement, Irene Montero from Podemos criticized the Prime Minister for finding €2 billion for defense while neglecting social spending.

She remarked, "When it comes to weapons, the money appears beneath a stone in the Ministry of Finance for María Jesús Montero and Pedro Sánchez," reflecting ongoing tensions regarding budget priorities within the coalition government.