Spanish Government Criticizes Opposition Leader Over Remarks on Israel and Eurovision
The Spanish administration responds to Alberto Núñez Feijóo's comments amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as Spain calls for a review of the EU's association agreement with Israel.
The Spanish government has rebuked Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the People's Party (PP), for making what it described as "bad jokes" regarding the government's recent request to exclude Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest.
Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría emphasized the seriousness of the situation in Gaza, noting that over 53,000 people have lost their lives amid ongoing conflict and that the United Nations has warned that more than 14,000 children are at imminent risk of starvation without urgent humanitarian aid.
Alegría's statements came after Feijóo remarked that the Eurovision event has become “the new Franco” for the government, citing what he referred to as a “festival of scandals” related to corruption.
In response, Alegría highlighted the gravity of the humanitarian crisis and dismissed Feijóo's comments as indicative of his political and humanitarian stature.
In addition to addressing Feijóo's comments, Alegría announced that Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares will be requesting a review of the association agreement with Israel during an upcoming meeting of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.
This request is in response to the Netherlands' call to evaluate whether Israel is violating its association agreement with the EU due to the ongoing humanitarian blockade of Gaza.
Spain and Ireland previously raised concerns regarding this agreement in the last European legislative session, but now there is broader support among EU member states for a reevaluation.
However, countries such as Germany remain insistent on maintaining dialogue with Israel under the current bilateral agreement, and Spanish officials noted that Spain cannot unilaterally sever its commercial ties with Israel.
Albares advocated for a coordinated EU response, asserting that the EU must leverage all diplomatic instruments available to pressure Israel to end the conflict and facilitate humanitarian access.
He characterized Israel’s military actions in Gaza as lacking rationale, suggesting that the consequences would turn the region into a vast cemetery.
Pilar Alegría reminded that the association agreement with Israel has been in force since 2000 and encompasses political and commercial treaties, highlighting that it was predicated on the respect for human and democratic rights.
She reiterated that the Spanish government is undertaking concrete actions following Prime Minister Sánchez's request to consider excluding Israel from Eurovision—similar to the expulsion of Russia from international competitions during recent Olympic events.
The Spanish government indicated its readiness to participate in discussions regarding Israel's participation in sporting events, asserting the importance of addressing double standards in international relations.
Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría emphasized the seriousness of the situation in Gaza, noting that over 53,000 people have lost their lives amid ongoing conflict and that the United Nations has warned that more than 14,000 children are at imminent risk of starvation without urgent humanitarian aid.
Alegría's statements came after Feijóo remarked that the Eurovision event has become “the new Franco” for the government, citing what he referred to as a “festival of scandals” related to corruption.
In response, Alegría highlighted the gravity of the humanitarian crisis and dismissed Feijóo's comments as indicative of his political and humanitarian stature.
In addition to addressing Feijóo's comments, Alegría announced that Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares will be requesting a review of the association agreement with Israel during an upcoming meeting of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.
This request is in response to the Netherlands' call to evaluate whether Israel is violating its association agreement with the EU due to the ongoing humanitarian blockade of Gaza.
Spain and Ireland previously raised concerns regarding this agreement in the last European legislative session, but now there is broader support among EU member states for a reevaluation.
However, countries such as Germany remain insistent on maintaining dialogue with Israel under the current bilateral agreement, and Spanish officials noted that Spain cannot unilaterally sever its commercial ties with Israel.
Albares advocated for a coordinated EU response, asserting that the EU must leverage all diplomatic instruments available to pressure Israel to end the conflict and facilitate humanitarian access.
He characterized Israel’s military actions in Gaza as lacking rationale, suggesting that the consequences would turn the region into a vast cemetery.
Pilar Alegría reminded that the association agreement with Israel has been in force since 2000 and encompasses political and commercial treaties, highlighting that it was predicated on the respect for human and democratic rights.
She reiterated that the Spanish government is undertaking concrete actions following Prime Minister Sánchez's request to consider excluding Israel from Eurovision—similar to the expulsion of Russia from international competitions during recent Olympic events.
The Spanish government indicated its readiness to participate in discussions regarding Israel's participation in sporting events, asserting the importance of addressing double standards in international relations.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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