On March 26, 2025, Ione Belarra, the leader of Podemos, issued a stark warning to Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, about the dangers of increasing military spending. During a session in the Congress of Deputies, she claimed that "rearming to the teeth" significantly heightens the risk of a third world war. Belarra emphasized that Spain and the European Union should prioritize a disarmament plan instead.
Belarra's remarks came in response to Sánchez's presentation on defense policies amid rising tensions in Europe. She accused the Prime Minister of recklessly engaging in an arms race, stating, "You are putting our country in serious danger by climbing aboard an arms race that leads nowhere." She elaborated that when two parties are armed, the likelihood of violent conflict increases dramatically, and thus, the risk of being dragged into a third world war is enormous.
In a pointed critique, Belarra remarked, "In fact, Mr. Sánchez, I suspect that the one who is much closer to invading a European Union country is your boss, the head of the Atlantic military alliance, Mr. Donald Trump, who has threatened to invade Greenland." Her comments reflect broader concerns about the militarization of Europe and its implications for peace.
Belarra's opposition to Sánchez's defense strategy is not isolated. Other political figures have joined her in voicing concerns about increasing military expenditures. Verónica Martínez, a spokesperson for Sumar, echoed similar sentiments, calling for a parliamentary debate on the significant changes in European defense policies. She criticized the reliance on NATO, describing it as "useless, obsolete, and inoperative," and advocated for a new framework for European security.
The debate over military spending is particularly contentious as Sánchez has committed to raising defense expenditures to meet NATO's target of 2% of Spain's GDP by 2024. He defended this increase as a necessary step for national security, stating, "We will not do this at the expense of the welfare state while my government is in power." However, Belarra countered that increased military spending does not equate to enhanced security, arguing that true security lies in social welfare, such as affordable housing and timely healthcare.
In the Congress session, Sánchez faced interruptions from opposition members, including Rafael Hernando of the Popular Party (PP), who attempted to disrupt his speech. Sánchez, maintaining his composure, responded with humor, remarking, "My wife is doing very well. And yours?" This light-hearted exchange underscored the tensions within the chamber.
Meanwhile, the political landscape is further complicated by the increasing isolation of Sánchez's government on defense issues. As Belarra and other left-leaning politicians express their discontent with the arms race, the opposition has seized the opportunity to criticize the government's military policies. Gabriel Rufián of ERC blamed NATO for most wars over the past 80 years, reinforcing the argument that increased military spending does not necessarily lead to peace.
Belarra's comments were not just a critique of current policies but also a call to action. She urged for a shift towards negotiation and diplomacy, advocating for a disarmament approach that she believes would better serve Spain and Europe in the long term. She pointed out that the current trajectory of increased military spending could lead to a dangerous escalation of conflicts.
The session also highlighted the internal divisions within the coalition government, as various representatives expressed differing views on defense spending. Aitor Esteban of the PNV requested more specifics regarding the government's defense plans, indicating a desire for clarity amidst the ongoing debate.
As the discussions unfold, it is clear that the debate over defense spending is not merely about numbers but reflects deeper ideological divides within Spanish politics. The left, represented by Podemos and Sumar, is pushing back against what they see as a dangerous militarization trend, while the government argues for a pragmatic approach to national security.
In summary, the political discourse surrounding military spending in Spain is intensifying, with prominent leaders like Ione Belarra warning of the potential for catastrophic consequences. As military budgets rise and tensions escalate, the call for disarmament and diplomatic solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The outcome of these debates will likely shape Spain's defense policies and its role within the European Union for years to come.
