Madrid (Spain), March 11 (LaPresse) – The Spanish government spokesperson, Pilar Alegría, stated in a press conference at the end of the Cabinet meeting that an increase in defense spending "would absolutely not reduce social spending, which is a key and priority policy of the government."
The spokesperson made these comments while a meeting was underway between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, of the Sumar party, a government ally of the PSOE, which has expressed opposition to the increase in military spending. Alegría emphasized that the meeting was taking place in an "absolutely normal" context and highlighted that the government has always maintained a position of "consistency" regarding Ukraine and Spain's role.
"We are aware that talking about peace in Ukraine is talking about Europe's security," the spokesperson said. Last week, following the extraordinary European Council, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez suggested the possibility of reaching 2% of GDP for defense spending sooner than expected, before 2029.
When asked by journalists about the timing and specifics of a possible defense spending increase, Alegría refrained from making definitive comments, reiterating that the issue of defense, as well as the EU’s role in Ukraine once peace is achieved, are common European matters requiring a European response. She also reiterated that it was "premature" to discuss the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine for a peacekeeping mission, emphasizing that the situation is still one of war.
When asked why the Spanish government had been more reserved than other governments, such as the French, Alegría replied that the executive wants to be "serious and prudent."
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