PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has raised the tone on global security at a Partido Popular Europeo event in Valladolid, three days before meeting Pedro Sánchez. He described the international landscape as 'complex and dangerous' and stressed that Europe must bolster its defenses against threats to democracy. His stance on sending troops to Ukraine remains uncertain.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Partido Popular (PP), spoke on Friday at an event organized by the Partido Popular Europeo in Valladolid. In his address, he warned of a 'complex and dangerous' international context, stating: 'We have never lived through such a complex scenario as the current one.' He added that 'Europe must prepare to defend itself and face all threats against our democracy'.
The event comes three days before Feijóo's meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to discuss the possible deployment of peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. Feijóo avoided explicit references to this issue or Greenland, but emphasized that 'security is now the priority.' The PP's position on the deployment remains unclear, creating tension with the government in La Moncloa.
Government spokesperson Elma Saiz expressed doubts in a TVE interview: 'The important thing is the attitude with which one goes,' referring to Feijóo. She hopes he will approach it with an opposition 'up to the challenges and difficulties we face as a society'.
Feijóo positioned himself as a 'firm and convinced Europeanist,' urging the EU to 'open its horizons' to gain influence and allies in a delicate geopolitical moment. He supported the EU-Mercosur agreement as an economic and political opportunity, but demanded protection clauses for the primary sector, border controls, and strengthened customs. He presented a ten-point plan to restore European competitiveness, including demographic challenges and industry strengthening.
One of the most applauded points was his criticism of nuclear closures: 'The decision to maintain the imposed nuclear closure schedule, to depend more on Russian gas, is a mistake and suicide for Spain.' This ties into the ongoing debate over the Almaraz nuclear plant, awaiting government approval to extend its license.
