Spending crisis in NATO: Spain refuses

At the NATO summit held in The Hague, the capital of the Netherlands, a historic decision was made to increase defense spending relative to GDP. The new target was set for each country to increase its defense budget to 5 percent of its gross domestic product. This decision came to the agenda with the pressure of the USA and the persistent demands of President Donald Trump.

TURKEY JOINS WITH $70 BILLION

At the summit, which was also attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey announced that it would comply with the new target and increase its defense budget from the current $22 billion to $70 billion. This increase will nearly triple Turkey's military spending. Ankara's commitment was met with full support within the alliance.

However, Spain was the only exception at the summit. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that his country would keep its defense spending at the current level of 2.1 percent. Stating that 'this rate is both sustainable for us and the right thing for our society,' Sanchez said that increasing the defense budget would put social security, pensions, education, and healthcare services at risk.

OPEN THREAT FROM TRUMP: WE WILL MAKE THEM PAY DOUBLE

Spain's stance drew a harsh reaction from US President Donald Trump. 'Spain is taking a very bad position. They were the only country to oppose it at the summit,' Trump said, adding, 'We will not forget this. We will make them pay double in trade. They should get their act together.'

Republican circles in the US, similar to Trump, are also voicing that economic sanctions against Spain could be on the table. Beyond diplomatic sanctions, there is talk that pressure could be applied in the fields of trade and investment.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described Spain's attitude as an 'exceptional situation' and said, 'The general goal of the alliance is clear. However, the specific internal dynamics of some countries must be taken into account.'

News Source: 12punto