Spain divided over calls to raise defence spend

Spain’s leftist government, the smallest spender on defence in Nato, faces resistance as it seeks to increase military budget to meet European demands. Amid concerns over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and US security guarantees, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez aims to reach the two-percent Nato benchmark, but faces opposition from separatist and far-left parties. Public opinion in Spain, historically shaped by General Franco’s dictatorship, prioritizes health and education over military spending, despite Sánchez’s support for Ukraine and a pledge of €1 billion in military aid for 2025.

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