In an increasingly complex geopolitical context, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Popular Party (PP), has reiterated the need for a state pact on defense to address the security challenges facing Spain. However, Feijóo has made it clear that the PP will not support Pedro Sánchez’s government in its current proposal to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP.
This positioning of the PP is part of a series of debates and political tensions in the Congress of Deputies on the future of national security and defense in Spain. The differences between the Executive and the opposition, as well as within the Government itself, have hindered the necessary consensus to move forward in this area.
Political Context: The Need for a State Pact
Feijóo has stressed the importance of a State Pact to address security and defense issues, but has criticized the Sánchez government for not having a clear plan or the necessary majority to implement its proposals. This criticism is in addition to the existing criticism of the government’s commitment to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP, a condition demanded by NATO and agreed within the framework of the European Union.
The international situation, with conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and global tensions, demands a unified stance from European countries. However, political divergences within Spain have complicated this process. While the PP is calling for a State pact that includes all political forces, Feijóo has pointed out that this cannot include parties that question Spain’s membership of NATO or that have “ceded control of the borders” to satisfy pro-independence supporters, in reference to the accusations against the PSOE for its management in Catalonia.
The Defense Challenge in Spain
The increase in defense spending is a sensitive issue, as it implies not only a significant economic commitment but also a revision of the national security strategy. The commitment to reach 2% of GDP in defense is part of the agreements assumed by Spain in the framework of NATO and the European Union. However, the domestic economic and social context makes this objective particularly complicated to achieve without affecting other sectors such as the welfare state.
The Role of the Popular Party
The PP has been clear in its refusal to be an auxiliary partner of the Government in the implementation of this increase without a State pact that addresses defense needs in a comprehensive manner. Feijóo has called for a detailed plan that includes how this increase will be financed, what the specific objectives will be and how the commitment of all political forces will be ensured. However, so far, the PP leader has expressed his distrust in the government’s ability to lead this process.
The Government’s Perspective
On the other hand, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has assured that the increase in defense spending will not affect the welfare state or social spending. He has promised that “not a cent” of these budgets will be touched and has announced a national plan to boost the defense and security industry in Spain. This plan will be launched before the summer and will focus on public-private collaboration to develop state-of-the-art technologies and strengthen the Spanish defense industry.
The International Situation
In the international context, Europe is facing multiple challenges, from the war in Ukraine to the growing tension between the United States and Russia. The European Union is seeking to strengthen its common security and defense policy, including the creation of a European Army. This is an objective that Sanchez has openly supported, noting that a united and cohesive Europe is key to ensuring lasting peace.
