The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has called for Israel to be barred from participating in international sporting competitions “for as long as the barbarity continues” in Gaza, requesting that it be subjected to the same restrictions imposed on Russia in this regard.
Criticism of Selective Expulsions
Speaking at a meeting of the inter-parliamentary committee in the Congress of Deputies, alongside Socialist deputies, senators, and MEPs gathered for the start of the new political term, Sánchez questioned the decision to expel Russia following its invasion of Ukraine while failing to take similar action against Israel after “the invasion of Gaza”.
“Our position is clear and unequivocal: until the barbarity ceases, neither Russia nor Israel should take part in any further international competitions,” stated the Prime Minister, emphasising that he believes this stance is shared by “the vast majority” of citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. “It is rooted in common sense, in the defence of human rights and international law, which are being undermined by both Russia and Israel,” he emphasised.
Support for Civil Society
The Prime Minister made this request following disturbances during the Vuelta a España cycle race in Madrid, which led to the cancellation of the final stage, resulting in two arrests and numerous police officers being injured.
Sánchez expressed his consistent rejection of violence but also conveyed “deep admiration and respect” for the Spanish civil society that mobilises against injustice, defending its cause “peacefully”.
Seeking an Independent Voice
He reiterated the need for Spain to have a “distinct voice” on the international stage, using it to advocate for what he believes is right, which has led to disagreements with allies on issues concerning Palestine and Israel, as well as increases in defence spending and reversals in social and environmental policies.
“In these and other instances, we do not hesitate to differ from some of our European and international partners and express our views,” Sánchez stated, underscoring that foreign policy “is meant to defend what is just, even if it is not always the majority view.”
Sánchez recalled that Spain was the first European partner to recognise Palestine as a state, and now, a year later, significant countries such as France and the United Kingdom are following suit.
Suspension of the Agreement with Israel
He also mentioned the suspension of the association agreement with Israel, a stance he has championed in recent months, which has also been endorsed by the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. “They claimed we were alone, yet it turned out we were the first,” he celebrated.
Thus, the Prime Minister conveyed that Spain is utilising its international weight “to defend what is right”, while opposition parties, the PP and Vox, are calling for “following suit”. He criticised the foreign policy of his predecessors from the Popular Party, Mariano Rajoy and José María Aznar.
“To pursue the followership called for by the opposition, whether from the PP or Vox, it is not necessary to have a strong foreign policy. One does not even need to leave Madrid as Mr Rajoy did. As for Mr Aznar, that’s another story altogether. Just look at the photos with his feet on the table to understand where he led us and where we are today,” he remarked.
Defending One’s Convictions
Sánchez believes that having a “distinct voice” is only valuable when one dares to use it to defend their convictions, as he claims his government does in line with the social majority of the country.
Nonetheless, he asserted that Spain is “in the vast majority of international consensuses,” fully endorsing the decisions of the 20, NATO’s agenda, and typically aligning with the majority of votes in the UN General Assembly and the European Parliament.
“We support the bulk of initiatives put forward by the Council and the European Commission, but it is evident that sometimes we diverge, and instead of saying yes, we must say no,” he pointed out. “For instance, when they tried to impose unnecessary military spending incompatible with our market, or when they want the European Union to reverse social or environmental policies demanded by our society,” he recalled.
Furthermore, he noted that this year, the government has held high-level bilateral meetings with 35 countries and 18 heads of state and government, and participated in 17 international forums.
In this context, he highlighted that both the United States and China chose Madrid for discussions “to end the trade war” and celebrated Spain’s improved relations with powers such as Brazil, China, and the Arab world.
Agencies EP
