US President Donald Trump, considered Friday Spain “has always paid very little” as a member of NATO And he repeated his idea that all members of the organization, except the United States, should devote 5 % of GDP.
“NATO will be confronted with Spain. Spain has paid very little. He has always done it. Or they were good negotiators or did not do the right one, “Trump said the press.
The White house He had insisted on Thursday that all NATO countries, including Spain, should Admit 5% of your GDP to the defenseAfter President Pedro Sanchez He will communicate the general secretary of the Alliance the rejection of his government to commit himself to a new increase in Defense costs.
“I have not seen Spain’s comments. I will ensure that the president sees them, and I can assure you that he wants all European countries to pay their honest role and reach that threshold of 5%,” said the Pers Secretary of the White House, Karoline LeavittWhen this issue is asked during a press conference.
Leavitt said that contributions 5% is “fair”Taking into account “that American taxpayers have an important amount, billions of dollars, contributed to support our mutual interests and our guaranteed defense.”
“I will talk about it (Trump). But he has made his priorities very clear to our European allies, including Spain,” he said.
Sanchez informed NATO secretary of NATO his rejection of committing a new increase in defense expenditure and Tacha of “irrational and counterproductive” For the country, the proposal is to reach 5% that they have raised to the Allies.
In a letter addressed to Mark Rutteproposes to one More “flexible” formula In the statement that will be approved on NATO top that will be held in The Hague next week, to say that the objective of 5% is optional, or one that excludes Spain from its application.
Sanchez explains that in the letter Reaching 5% is incompatible with the welfare state In Spain and with its “worldview” and claim the legitimate right of each government to make or not determine “sacrifices”, such as levying taxes for the middle class or reducing public services and social benefits.
