Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S谩nchez has brushed off calls for his resignation, even from members of his own party, and reaffirmed his commitment to lead the Socialist Party (PSOE) into the next general election in 2027.
The claim comes despite a political storm triggered by the involvement of former PSOE deputy leader Santos Cerd谩n in the ongoing Koldo corruption probe.
At the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24-25, tensions heightened between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S谩nchez and US President Donald Trump over Spain鈥檚 refusal to commit to NATO鈥檚 proposed 5 per cent GDP defence spending target. S谩nchez argued that Spain could meet NATO鈥檚 military capability requirements by spending 2.1 percent of its GDP, a stance that drew sharp criticism from Trump and other allies. Trump publicly lashed out, calling Spain鈥檚 position 鈥渢errible鈥 and threatening to impose double tariffs on Spain in future trade deals, though it was unclear how this could be implemented since Spain negotiates trade as part of the European Union.
S谩nchez hints at third run at Prime-Ministership
Speaking at a press conference following the NATO summit in The Hague on Wednesday, S谩nchez projected confidence rather than humility at the 鈥榖est performing economy in the world鈥檚 inability to meet the same percentage of participation as other nations in NATO at such a crucial moment in geopolitical history.
Dismissing speculations of an early election, he asserted that his parliamentary majority 鈥渞emains solid鈥, even as coalition partners and ex PSOE presidents have voiced criticisms and suggestions of a vote of no confidence in recent weeks.
The NATO summit saw member states agree to increase military spending to 5 per cent of GDP, a target S谩nchez admitted Spain would not meet. Undeterred, he reiterated his determination to run again for president in 2027, jokingly adding that he might still be in office in 2029 when NATO reviews its members鈥 military capability goals. 鈥淲e鈥檒l see,鈥 he said with a laugh, giving an idea of his long-term political ambitions.
S谩nchez brushes aside recent scandals
Addressing the Koldo scandal, which has rocked Spanish politics, S谩nchez referenced last week鈥檚 raid by the Central Operational Unit (UCO) at PSOE鈥檚 Ferraz headquarters, where Cerd谩n鈥檚 device was seized, he reiterated the government鈥檚 cooperation with the judiciary, stating, 鈥淭his is the time for justice, and the Spanish government will collaborate, as it must.鈥 S谩nchez also took a swipe at the opposition Popular Party (PP), recalling a past UCO raid on their headquarters where 鈥渃omputers were destroyed with hammers.鈥 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the big difference,鈥 he quipped, highlighting what he sees as his party鈥檚 transparency.
Despite mounting pressure from the opposition, S谩nchez鈥檚 resolute stance shows his determination, despite the polls, despite the calls for his resignation, and despite threats of a no-confidence vote, to move past the scandal (into the summer recess) and maintain control through to the end of his term in 2027 and onto another possible term as president.