Sumar Denounces Military Spending Increase as Ineffective for European Security
In a striking critique of the Spanish government's defense policy, Sumar, a partner of the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in the coalition government, has expressed firm opposition to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's commitment to increasing military expenditure. On Wednesday, Verónica Martínez Barbero, Sumar's spokesperson in Congress, spoke out against associating increased spending with enhanced security, calling NATO a 'zombie' and arguing for a re-evaluation of Europe's defense strategy.
Martínez Barbero articulated Sumar's position during Sánchez's address to the plenary session concerning the European debate on security and defense. She emphasized that a solely militarized approach to security is ineffective in addressing the multifaceted threats faced by Europe today and risks undermining the democratic values that underpin the European project.
The spokesperson highlighted that while Europe currently outspends Russia on defense, these investments have not translated into significant operational capabilities or effective deterrents. "It’s not just about how much we invest, but about how we do it and with what strategic objectives," she remarked.
Acknowledging the changing international context, Martínez Barbero urged that Europe should not fall into an arms race mentality. She warned that reducing Europe’s strategic autonomy to an escalation of military spending would be a grave historical mistake. Furthermore, she advocated for a reevaluation of the reliance on the United States as a dependable ally and proposed the development of an independent European defense architecture, distinct from NATO, which she labeled as 'in decomposition and brain death.'
"Let’s stop insisting on an organization that is already a zombie and instead lay the groundwork for a secure future for our continent," Martínez Barbero declared. She cautioned that European security must not come at the expense of social welfare, linking defense to broader issues including technology, cybersecurity, industry, and energy.
In a bold proposal, she suggested generating resources for strategic autonomy by imposing a 2% tax on the wealth of 537 European billionaires, thereby avoiding cuts to social spending allocations.
In light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, she urged Spain and the entire European Union to take action against the violence and atrocities being committed, stressing the need for the EU to stop turning a blind eye.
As debates around defense spending and security continue to heat up in Europe, Sumar’s position reflects a growing discourse questioning traditional military paradigms and advocating for a more holistic approach to security that prioritizes democratic values and social welfare.
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