Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles made a sharp statement directed at People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, demanding a public apology for his claim that the military allegedly was not deployed from the outset to assist victims of the devastating DANA in Valencia in 2024. Robles said such accusations are untrue and undermine trust in the armed forces, who, she emphasized, acted swiftly and selflessly.
Robles noted that Feijóo was aware of the actual situation, yet still spread false information. The minister believes these statements aimed to distract from shortcomings in the actions of regional authorities, particularly Valencia Community President Carlos Mazón. She highlighted that Spanish soldiers risked their lives providing aid, while some politicians sought to shift responsibility.
Accusations and correspondence
In a television interview, Robles recalled messages exchanged between Mazón and Feijóo on the day of the tragedy. In these messages, Mazón informed that he was in contact with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero, and the interior and defense ministers. He requested that the military remain on high alert, but stated that at that point all necessary resources, including the Military Emergency Unit (UME), were already deployed.
The Defense Minister called it particularly dangerous that, in her opinion, Feijóo deliberately spread false information. She questioned his ability to lead the country during difficult times if he is willing to distort facts for political gain. Robles also accused Feijóo and Mazón of orchestrating a disinformation campaign against the central government.
The army’s role and support for Ukraine
According to Robles, the Spanish military was on the scene from the very first moments and played an active part in rescue operations. In total, she reported, more than 39,000 service members were involved in dealing with the aftermath of the disaster. The minister emphasized that any accusations of military inaction are unfounded.
During the discussion, Robles also touched on international policy. She once again confirmed Spain’s and the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. The minister stated that the terms of a peace agreement cannot be dictated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Robles did not rule out the possibility of Spain participating in a future international peacekeeping mission in Ukraine if such a decision is made by the global community.
Arms exports and relations with Israel
The Minister of Defense commented on the government’s decision, made on December 23, to partially lift the arms export embargo on Israel. An exception was made for four Airbus programs: the A400M and C295 transport aircraft, the A330 MRTT refueling plane, and the Sirtap drone. Robles emphasized that this decision is solely based on commercial and industrial interests, not military policy.
She added that the Ministry of Defense is continuing the process of severing ties with the Israeli defense industry. Joint projects, such as the Silam missile system and the Spike anti-tank missile, have been canceled. According to Robles, these measures are aimed at reducing dependence on Israeli military technology.
Measures against Israeli settlements
On Monday, Spain’s official state gazette published a tax authority resolution listing illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. This list will help identify goods produced in these settlements and apply the measures set out in the new embargo law. This step is part of Spain’s efforts to counter violations of international law and support the Palestinian population in Gaza.
Robles also commented on the situation in the Middle East, stating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has violated international norms and is under investigation in international courts. She expressed doubts about his ability to serve as a mediator in the peace process. The minister emphasized that Spain clearly identifies those responsible for escalating conflicts: in the case of Ukraine, it is Putin; in the case of Gaza, it is Netanyahu.
