Pedro Sanchez doubles down on Madrid’s opposition to conflict despite Trump’s threat to cut trade with Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has strongly condemned the US-Israeli military operation against Iran despite US President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off all trade with Madrid for refusing Washington to use its bases.
In a televised speech on Wednesday, Sanchez announced Spain’s position in four words: “No to war.” He warned “This Is How Humanity’s Greatest Disasters Begin” Adding that “You cannot play Russian roulette with the destinies of millions of people.
Sanchez directly addressed the US threat to his country. “We do not participate in evil for the world for fear of retribution from someone.” Sanchez said.
“It is totally unacceptable that leaders incapable of improving people’s lives use the fog of war to cover up their failures and line the pockets of the common few.” Sanchez said in an apparent reference to Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Spanish leader took aim at EU allies who refused to stand up to Washington “It is naïve to think that servitude and blind obedience are the way to lead.”
These remarks appeared to be directed at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whom he “terrible” An ally, the US president threatened to cut off for standing silently next to Trump at the White House on Tuesday “All Business” With Spain.
Instead of defending fellow EU members, Merz echoed Trump’s criticism of Madrid’s defense spending and fell back on typical NATO talking points, blasting Spain for refusing to commit to the military bloc’s target of 5% of GDP for annual defense spending.
Last year, Sanchez rejected the 5% pledge “Nonsense.”
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albarez echoed Madrid’s sentiment “surprise” In Merz’s behavior, he said he expected a certain level “solidarity” And “Couldn’t imagine” Making of former German chancellors Angela Merkel or Olaf Scholz “such statements” He added that there was “A different pro-European attitude then.”
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