Spanish Government Engages with Popular Party Amid Rising U.S. Tariffs
Pedro Sánchez initiates parliamentary discussions to address the repercussions of proposed tariffs affecting EU imports.
The Spanish government is moving swiftly in response to the trade conflict ignited by the United States.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced this morning the commencement of a series of consultations with parliamentary groups to formulate a governmental response plan to the upcoming tariff impositions announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, which include a 20% tariff on products imported from the European Union.
This afternoon, Sánchez convened the Popular Party (PP), just hours after President Trump's announcement.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo met with PP’s economic spokesperson Juan Bravo, who was joined by the deputy secretary for Sustainable Development, Paloma Martín, and Francisco Conde, the party’s spokesperson for Industry in Congress.
The meeting began around 7:45 PM and lasted over an hour and a half, according to sources within the PP.
During the meeting, the minister informed the PP about the "elements" discussed by the Prime Minister earlier in the day.
The PP expressed appreciation for the "cordial treatment" during the meeting but requested further details from the government.
"They are working on a draft, but at this moment, there is no concrete plan to react to a situation the U.S. President has been warning about for some time," sources said.
Cuerpo has invited the PP to a forthcoming appearance by Sánchez in Congress next week to elaborate on the government's response.
In his public address at the Moncloa this morning, in front of top business leaders, Sánchez emphasized that this "tariff attack by the U.S. administration does not differentiate between friends and foes, nor does it discriminate by ideology or trade balance; it affects everyone and everything." Besides engaging with political parties, the government plans to convene with the economic advisors from regional governments.
There is a prevailing sentiment within the government that they may secure the support of PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who is also influenced by the collective interests of the entire EU, under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen from the European People's Party.
Minister Cuerpo is seen as a technical profile, less inclined towards political confrontation and exhibiting a moderate tone that facilitates understanding with the Popular Party on this issue, where there is already considerable alignment.
On Thursday, Feijóo extended a hand to the government to develop a "national strategy" alongside regional governments and productive sectors, and the government has accepted this opportunity.
The ongoing tariff conflict facing Spain and the entire EU appears to be opening a pathway for dialogue between the two major political parties, which has not yet occurred on defense issues.
The government prefers to explore options to increase military spending independent of the PP and Congress.
Feijóo aligned his rhetoric with that of Sánchez, stating that if negotiations with Donald Trump fail, Europe must respond "with firmness, proportionality, and intelligence." He criticized the decision of the American administration and engaged in a strategic campaign against Vox, who the PP perceives as "trapped" by their alliance with the U.S. President.
Members of Vox, while not supportive of tariffs, have blamed Sánchez, Feijóo, and the EU for the current situation.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced this morning the commencement of a series of consultations with parliamentary groups to formulate a governmental response plan to the upcoming tariff impositions announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, which include a 20% tariff on products imported from the European Union.
This afternoon, Sánchez convened the Popular Party (PP), just hours after President Trump's announcement.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo met with PP’s economic spokesperson Juan Bravo, who was joined by the deputy secretary for Sustainable Development, Paloma Martín, and Francisco Conde, the party’s spokesperson for Industry in Congress.
The meeting began around 7:45 PM and lasted over an hour and a half, according to sources within the PP.
During the meeting, the minister informed the PP about the "elements" discussed by the Prime Minister earlier in the day.
The PP expressed appreciation for the "cordial treatment" during the meeting but requested further details from the government.
"They are working on a draft, but at this moment, there is no concrete plan to react to a situation the U.S. President has been warning about for some time," sources said.
Cuerpo has invited the PP to a forthcoming appearance by Sánchez in Congress next week to elaborate on the government's response.
In his public address at the Moncloa this morning, in front of top business leaders, Sánchez emphasized that this "tariff attack by the U.S. administration does not differentiate between friends and foes, nor does it discriminate by ideology or trade balance; it affects everyone and everything." Besides engaging with political parties, the government plans to convene with the economic advisors from regional governments.
There is a prevailing sentiment within the government that they may secure the support of PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who is also influenced by the collective interests of the entire EU, under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen from the European People's Party.
Minister Cuerpo is seen as a technical profile, less inclined towards political confrontation and exhibiting a moderate tone that facilitates understanding with the Popular Party on this issue, where there is already considerable alignment.
On Thursday, Feijóo extended a hand to the government to develop a "national strategy" alongside regional governments and productive sectors, and the government has accepted this opportunity.
The ongoing tariff conflict facing Spain and the entire EU appears to be opening a pathway for dialogue between the two major political parties, which has not yet occurred on defense issues.
The government prefers to explore options to increase military spending independent of the PP and Congress.
Feijóo aligned his rhetoric with that of Sánchez, stating that if negotiations with Donald Trump fail, Europe must respond "with firmness, proportionality, and intelligence." He criticized the decision of the American administration and engaged in a strategic campaign against Vox, who the PP perceives as "trapped" by their alliance with the U.S. President.
Members of Vox, while not supportive of tariffs, have blamed Sánchez, Feijóo, and the EU for the current situation.
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