King Felipe VI presided over the Pascua Militar at Madrid's Royal Palace, where he defended a rules-based global order amid rising international threats, in the context of the recent US intervention in Venezuela. The ceremony saw the absence of President Pedro Sánchez, who attended a summit in Paris on Ukraine, while Defense Minister Margarita Robles stressed respect for international law.
The Pascua Militar, the annual ceremony honoring Spain's Armed Forces, took place on January 6, 2026, at Madrid's Royal Palace under the presidency of King Felipe VI, accompanied by Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor. For the first time in democracy, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was absent, choosing to travel to Paris to join the summit of the volunteer coalition supporting Ukraine, organized by French President Emmanuel Macron.
In his speech, Felipe VI, dressed in the Air Force uniform, referred to the 'growing sense of threat' stemming from the multiple armed conflicts of 2025 that have reached 'the heart of Europe.' He emphasized the need for Armed Forces with 'a high degree of training and readiness, proven adaptability, and well-equipped,' highlighting Spain's commitment to multilateralism, NATO, and the European Union. Although he avoided directly mentioning the US military intervention in Venezuela on January 3, which ended with Nicolás Maduro's detention, the monarch defended a 'rules-based global order' and 'commitment to international security.'
Defense Minister Margarita Robles was more explicit, stating that 'outside the international legal framework, no legitimate action is possible,' clearly alluding to the US action. Robles noted that Spain has increased defense spending from 0.9% to 2% of GDP since 2018 and has lost 175 soldiers in international missions. She also reaffirmed Spain's support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion and for peace in Gaza, listing Army humanitarian operations.
The king addressed Princess Leonor, a cadet at the General Air Academy, praising her military training that will conclude this summer and prepare her for her future role as supreme commander of the Armed Forces. The ceremony featured units from the Royal Guard and representatives from the three armed services and the Civil Guard.
