The Spanish government rejects Trump's threat to exclude Spain from NATO

The Spanish government rejects US President Donald Trump's statements about excluding Spain from NATO because it will not increase its defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2035. This information was published by El Pais.

The Spanish Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with Parliament, Félix Bolaños, confirmed that membership in the alliance is not at risk and that Spain remains a loyal partner. According to him, current defense spending is at two percent, which is the percentage agreed upon with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The government argues that increasing spending would affect important social programs. Defense Minister Margarita Robles stated that Spain has 3,000 soldiers in NATO missions in Europe and the Mediterranean and that she considers the country's commitments to the alliance to be permanent.

The opposition People's Party (PP) considers Trump's remarks unfounded, as the North Atlantic Treaty does not provide for the compulsory exclusion of a member. This year, Spain will achieve the 2014 target of two percent of GDP for defense spending for the first time.

(sie)