The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchezhas avoided direct contact with the president of the United States, Donald Trumpand with a good part of the leaders of the allied countries, at the start of the NATO summit, which is marked by the resistance of Spain to commit to spend 5% of GDP in defense and security.
Sánchez He has greeted the NATO general secretary, Mark Rutteand to the Dutch prime minister, Dick Schoofthat exercise hosts, in the traditional greeting through which they are going through, one by one, all leaders.
Both have smiled cordially, after several days of controversy on account of the increase in military spending. Sanchez said he reached a agreement that allows you to spend only 2.1%, But Rutte pointed out that It is “absolutely convinced” that Spain will have to reach 3.5, Like the rest of states.
The family photo has been produced below, in which Sanchez was located in the front row, like Rutte and Trump, but at one end, separated by three leaders. At that time Sánchez has remained with a serious gesture and has not been seen chatting with other European colleagues.
Save the distance
At the end of the photo He has kept the distance that separated him from Trump And, at least before the cameras he has not crossed the word with him while leaving the staircase. Then, when entering the Plenary, Sánchez has passed by his side, but they have not exchanged any gesture at that time.
Already in the room, the chief of the Executive has been one of the first to occupy his seat, and He has not participated in the corrillos with the leaderssomething unusual in Sánchez that usually takes advantage of the moments before the peaks to chat with their counterparts.
For several minutes prior to the beginning of Rutte’s speech, only Sánchez, the president of Türkiye, have remained sitting, Recep Tayyip Erdogan –He have greeted themselves and have briefly departed with the help of a translator-and the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Weverlocated several positions away. The rest, permeated standing and exchanged opinions in small groups.
The president of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez (c), arrives at the family photo of the NATO Summit. / EFE
Convinced that they will agree on 5%
Finally, around 11.30 pm Rutte has taken the floor to offer some initial words and welcome the allies, before the start of the debates that will last throughout the morning.
Previously, this Wednesday upon arrival at the site, Rutte has reiterated that he is convinced that the 32 allied countries They will agree on the new horizon of spending to reach 5% of GDP for defensehighlighting that “there is no alternative” given the threat of Russia.
Also upon arrival, several leaders have assumed the new expense commitment, emphasizing that there are no possible exceptions to the agreement and therefore Spain makes “an interpretation” of the pact, noting that it will meet the military requirements of the alliance without sticking to a percentage of specific spending.
