Overview
- Spain's government unveiled a defense budget for 2025, allocating €10.47 billion to meet NATO's 2% GDP spending requirement four years ahead of schedule.
- The plan includes €2 billion for new deterrence systems and a €15 million ammunition sale to Israel, bypassing parliamentary approval.
- Prime Minister Sánchez cited international pressure from the U.S. and NATO as key factors for the accelerated timeline, aiming to position Spain as a reliable alliance member.
- Coalition tensions have escalated, with Podemos labeling the government as a 'war government' and Izquierda Unida threatening to withdraw from the alliance.
- Sánchez insists the spending increase will not lead to tax hikes, social program cuts, or additional national debt, amid criticism over fiscal trade-offs and transparency.