Spanish left puts pressure on PM Sánchez: IU threatens to leave government over increase in defence spending

While the Spanish socialist government wants to increase defence spending in line with the demands of US President Donald Trump and European allies, a thousand demonstrators from Podemos, Izquierda Unida and Sumar protested this Saturday in the Spanish capital against increasing the military budget.

The demonstration has taken on special relevance after the firm warning of Izquierda Unida (IU) that they are questioning their place in the coalition government. Its parliamentary spokesman, Enrique Santiago, has been categorical in stating that it is practically impossible for his party to continue in an executive that assumes this course. He also urged Pedro Sánchez to stand firm in the face of pressure from NATO, despite the reproaches he may receive, recalling that IU, of which minister Sira Rego is a member, firmly rejects the increase in defence spending.

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Sumar's presence at Saturday's protest was undoubtedly the most striking. The internal debate within the electoral coalition has once again intensified in the run-up to the NATO summit in The Hague at the end of June, where allied countries are expected to make a new commitment to allocate up to 5% of GDP to defence, up from the current 2%. Labour minister and leader of the left-wing coalition, Yolanda Díaz, has long distanced herself from Sánchez's position, though without breaking the unity of the government.

It is a 'betrayal' of progressive principles, according to Montero.

Podemos has also publicly denounced the increase in defence spending approved by the government, saying it is a "betrayal" of progressive principles and a direct alignment with the strategic interests of the United States and NATO.

MEP Irene Montero warned on Saturday that, by prioritising rearmament, the central government is laying the foundations for future cuts in social policies, especially affecting public education and programmes such as the Co-Responsibles Plan, aimed at improving family reconciliation.

According to a survey by the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS), published in March, 75% of Spaniards are actually in favour of increasing military spending, especially after Donald Trump's re-election.