Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded to American criticism over the decision not to allow US planes to use Spanish bases to attack Iran
The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, responded, this Wednesday (4), to the criticisms of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, about Madrid’s decision to not allow American planes to use Spanish bases to attack Iran.
“This is how the great catastrophes of humanity begin. You can’t play Russian roulette with the fate of millions“, stated Sánchez in a nationally televised address.
During his speech, the prime minister reinforced his government’s position in relation to the war in the Middle East. “We will not be complicit in something that is harmful to the world or contrary to our values and interests simply to avoid reprisals from someone,” he said, referring to Trump’s trade threats.
Diplomatic tension began after the American president criticize Spain during a meeting at the White House with the Prime Minister of Germany, Friedrich Merz, on Tuesday (3). Trump came to threaten to cut trade relations with Madrid by not allow the use of Spanish bases for military operations.
“Some European nations have been helpful, some haven’t. Germany has been incredible. […] Other countries, like Spain, are terrible. I said to end all agreements with Spain”, he declared.
The American president also criticized the country for not meeting the target of increasing spending with defense at 5% of GDP, as requested from NATO allies. “And now Spain has said we can’t use their bases. We can fly there, no one will say we can’t, but they were very unfriendly. Spain doesn’t have anything we need, except a great people, but they don’t have great leadership,” he added.
In response, the European Commission expressed total solidarity with Spain and claimed to be ready to defend the interests of the bloc if necessary. “Through our common trade policy, we stand ready to act, if necessary, to safeguard the interests of the EU,” spokesman Olof Gill said in a statement released after Trump’s threats.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
