Spanish Leftist Parties Unite Against Defense Spending Increase
Negotiations intensify as leftist and independent parties prepare a unified stance against government defense budget plans.
Amidst increasing tensions over defense spending, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reiterated his commitment to enhance military expenditure despite opposition from his coalition partners.
On Wednesday, Sánchez informed his allies that he intends to fulfill the obligation to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP, in line with commitments made to NATO and the European Union.
"We are going to do it.
We are willing and prepared," Sánchez stated while attending a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
In response to Sánchez's statements, leftist and independent parties, including ERC, BNG, and Bildu, have engaged in discussions to create a cohesive message against the proposed increase in defense spending.
ERC spokesperson Gabriel Rufián emphasized the existence of a majority opposition to increased military expenditure, asserting, "Sánchez must understand that there is a majority against spending more.
What he needs to do is to spend better.
There is a significant amount already spent on defense."
The coalition partner Sumar has also expressed outright rejection of Sánchez's defense spending plans, a sentiment relayed to the Prime Minister by Yolanda Díaz during a recent meeting.
Despite Sánchez’s assurance that social spending would not be cut, members of Sumar, including Izquierda Unida, have indicated their lack of trust in his promises regarding defense expenditure.
Podemos, known for its strong opposition to military spending, has labeled Sánchez with terms such as "war lord" and "bootlicker" of the United States.
The party's Secretary General, Ione Belarra, confirmed that they would bring their criticisms to Moncloa in meetings scheduled for Thursday and revealed that Podemos would introduce a parliamentary initiative mandating that Congress must vote on any proposals increasing defense investment.
On Thursday, Sánchez is set to meet with representatives from all political parties, except for Vox, to discuss defense expenditures and European security.
The meetings, which will occur throughout the day with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes, are intended to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and gauge the political landscape within the European Union.
It has been stated that no agreements are expected to be proposed during these discussions.
Each meeting will begin with Sánchez informing representatives about the current state of affairs in Ukraine and the broader EU debate, aiming to understand the positions of the various political groups.
On Wednesday, Sánchez informed his allies that he intends to fulfill the obligation to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP, in line with commitments made to NATO and the European Union.
"We are going to do it.
We are willing and prepared," Sánchez stated while attending a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
In response to Sánchez's statements, leftist and independent parties, including ERC, BNG, and Bildu, have engaged in discussions to create a cohesive message against the proposed increase in defense spending.
ERC spokesperson Gabriel Rufián emphasized the existence of a majority opposition to increased military expenditure, asserting, "Sánchez must understand that there is a majority against spending more.
What he needs to do is to spend better.
There is a significant amount already spent on defense."
The coalition partner Sumar has also expressed outright rejection of Sánchez's defense spending plans, a sentiment relayed to the Prime Minister by Yolanda Díaz during a recent meeting.
Despite Sánchez’s assurance that social spending would not be cut, members of Sumar, including Izquierda Unida, have indicated their lack of trust in his promises regarding defense expenditure.
Podemos, known for its strong opposition to military spending, has labeled Sánchez with terms such as "war lord" and "bootlicker" of the United States.
The party's Secretary General, Ione Belarra, confirmed that they would bring their criticisms to Moncloa in meetings scheduled for Thursday and revealed that Podemos would introduce a parliamentary initiative mandating that Congress must vote on any proposals increasing defense investment.
On Thursday, Sánchez is set to meet with representatives from all political parties, except for Vox, to discuss defense expenditures and European security.
The meetings, which will occur throughout the day with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes, are intended to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and gauge the political landscape within the European Union.
It has been stated that no agreements are expected to be proposed during these discussions.
Each meeting will begin with Sánchez informing representatives about the current state of affairs in Ukraine and the broader EU debate, aiming to understand the positions of the various political groups.
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Translated by AI
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